Which Supermarket Is Pocket Friendly: Where To Buy Beverages In Kenya

In an economy where every shilling counts, Kenyan consumers are not only choosing what to drink—they are strategically deciding where to buy it. In this report, we dive deep into supermarket shelves to evaluate the prices of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages across Carrefour, Naivas, and Quickmart, as of June 2025.

Let’s begin with the undisputed market leader in beverages: Coca-Cola. For a 500ml bottle, both Carrefour and Naivas set the price at KES 65, although Naivas occasionally increases it to KES 70, depending on the branch. This positions Coca-Cola as one of the most uniformly priced drinks in the market. For consumers, this means either supermarket offers equal value, although Carrefour’s pricing appears more consistent.

The same cannot be said for Sprite (350ml). Carrefour charges a striking KES 69, while Naivas offers the same drink for KES 50—a KES 19 difference. This makes Naivas the better choice by far. Such a price gap on a popular product suggests either Carrefour’s premium on location or Naivas’ aggressive supplier discounts.

Pepsi’s 600ml bottle is available at Carrefour for KES 59 and at Naivas for KES 50. Again, Naivas emerges as the more affordable retailer, offering the drink at a full KES 9 less. Pepsi’s pricing, being lower than Coke’s and Sprite’s, confirms its positioning as the price-sensitive alternative for loyal consumers.

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Fanta Orange (500ml) tells a different story. Carrefour prices it at KES 59, while Naivas goes up to KES 70, making Carrefour the better supermarket for Fanta lovers, offering an KES 11 saving per bottle.

In the specialty drinks section, Coca Cola Zero (500ml) is sold between KES 69–95, depending on outlet and location. This wide price variance suggests that consumers should shop around within branches for the best deal. Carrefour’s upper pricing may reflect placement in more affluent areas, while Naivas might use promotional pricing.

Schweppes Soda Water or Tonic Water (500ml) ranges from KES 59 to KES 80. While Schweppes is seen as a premium mixer, the price spread still raises consumer sensitivity. The lower end of that range is reasonable, but consumers at the KES 80 range are likely subsidizing the brand’s market positioning.

Red Bull (250ml) sits in a category of its own. Retailing for KES 220, this energy drink commands a massive price per ml. This isn’t just about energy—it’s about class. For the average Kenyan, Red Bull is a luxury. And yet, it maintains shelf space, especially in Carrefour, where impulse-buying is higher.

Highlands Club Soda (350ml) is a winner in the affordability category. Priced at KES 35, it is the cheapest functional drink across the board. Highlands taps into local loyalty and provides a solid, budget-friendly alternative to international brands. Here, both Carrefour and Naivas stock it affordably, making either choice safe for shoppers.

Switching to alcoholic beverages, we begin with Kenya’s staple: Tusker Lager (500ml can). Naivas charges KES 230, Carrefour slightly lower at KES 224, while Quickmart peaks at KES 250. The smart buy here is Carrefour, offering the national beer at the lowest shelf price.

White Cap Lager (500ml can) shows unusual variation. Naivas is cheapest at KES 199, Carrefour hits KES 235, and Quickmart tops at KES 250. A 51-shilling spread for the same can is substantial. Naivas is clearly the go-to supermarket for White Cap drinkers.

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For vodka lovers, Smirnoff Red (750ml) costs KES 1,395 at Naivas and a high KES 1,548 at Carrefour. The average is KES 1,471. The difference is KES 153, which might translate into another Chrome bottle. Naivas is again the more cost-effective option.

Speaking of Chrome Vodka (250ml), prices are relatively stable—KES 270 at Naivas, KES 280 at Carrefour, and KES 275 at Quickmart. The narrow KES 10 difference shows manufacturers are holding the line here. That said, Naivas still edges out the others.

Kenya Cane (250ml) is most affordable at Quickmart (KES 240), compared to KES 245 at Naivas and KES 250 at Carrefour. It’s a minor difference, but for consumers buying in volume or stocking for events, Quickmart wins.

Gilbey’s Gin (750ml) averages KES 1,313, but at Naivas it’s KES 1,290, Carrefour charges KES 1,350, and Quickmart offers KES 1,300. For gin fans, Naivas is the best-priced outlet—especially for loyalists of this UK-imported spirit.

Captain Morgan Gold Rum (750ml) hits KES 1,150 at Naivas, KES 999 at Carrefour, and KES 1,100 at Quickmart. The standout low price at Carrefour (KES 999) undercuts competitors by over 100 shillings, making it the go-to for premium rum buyers.

Johnnie Walker Red (750ml) is the costliest standard whisky on shelves—KES 1,875 at Naivas, KES 2,050 at Carrefour, and KES 2,200 at Quickmart. Naivas gives you the best value, saving you KES 325 compared to Quickmart. This matters greatly for bulk or festive purchases.

What emerges from this analysis is a pricing hierarchy:

1. Best value for soda and soft drinks: Naivas, except for Fanta (Carrefour wins here).
2. Most affordable alcoholic drinks overall: Naivas, with notable exceptions for Tusker and Captain Morgan (Carrefour wins).
3. Quickmart comes across as the most expensive for premium spirits and beers, but provides minor wins in Kenya Cane and Chrome Vodka.

This price behavior reflects each retailer’s strategy. Carrefour leverages a premium experience with select pricing discounts (like on Captain Morgan and Tusker). Naivas balances aggressive pricing on everyday products with broader accessibility. Quickmart, while convenient, caters to an audience less sensitive to price—likely urban dwellers and impulse buyers.

Consumers now must think not just about what they want, but where to get the best deal. The average family buying a basket of 10–15 beverages monthly can save up to KES 1,500–2,000 simply by choosing the right supermarket for the right item.

For suppliers and manufacturers, this data shows the importance of price harmonization. A wide range in retail pricing, especially for everyday products, weakens brand loyalty and raises suspicion about distributor inefficiencies.

Meanwhile, for economists, this data underscores the pressure inflation is placing on household consumption. As beverages shift from essential refreshment to luxury indulgence, brands must brace for increased price sensitivity and shrinking margins.

Kenya’s beverage retail landscape in June 2025 is not just about thirst—it’s about strategy, economics, and survival.

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