MALKERNS – Shoppers at Pick n Pay Malkerns Square got the first taste of Spotted Horse Gold Rum this afternoon as Simunye Beverages officially kicked off a nationwide series of in-store activations.
The launch event, held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featured rum tastings, brand engagement, and giveaways, bringing excitement to customers eager to sample the premium product that has quickly become the talk of the town.
Spotted Horse, produced by Simunye Beverages, a subsidiary of the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RES), was launched last month at Dwaleni Farm Lodge by RES Managing Director Nick Jackson. Though positioned as an export product, it will first be rolled out locally, giving Emaswati the opportunity to experience it ahead of international markets.
“Today marks the start of an exciting journey where we take Spotted Horse directly to the people,” said a Simunye Beverages spokesperson. “This product showcases Eswatini’s craftsmanship and ambition to compete globally while supporting the local economy.”
The nationwide rollout forms part of RES’s diversification strategy, designed to maximize profits and create new growth streams for the company. With more than 5,000 employees, RES is Eswatini’s largest private-sector employer, and its expansion into beverages is seen as a bold move that could open new opportunities for the country’s economy.
What’s Next?
The in-store activations will continue across the country in the coming weeks, with upcoming stops at:
- 20 Sept – Pick n Pay Hub (3–6 PM)
- 26 Sept – Pick n Pay Matsapha Link (3–6 PM)
- 27 Sept – Pick n Pay Mashayitafula (1–4 PM)
- 3 Oct – Pick n Pay Nhlangano (3–6 PM)
- 4 Oct – Pick n Pay Crescent (1–4 PM)
- 24 Oct – Pick n Pay WHS (3–6 PM)
- 31 Oct – Pick n Pay Mbabane (3–6 PM)
- 1 Nov – Pick n Pay Gables (1–4 PM)
As shoppers sipped and posed with their Spotted Horse samples today, one thing was clear: this rum is more than a new product — it’s a symbol of Eswatini’s evolving story of innovation, pride, and timeless taste.