Coming Soon to Ethiopia: Heineken and KFC?

Ethiopia is a largely agricultural nation of 94 million people that endures frequent droughts and famine, with a per capita income of just over $100 per month. Is it ready for Heineken beer and KFC chicken outlets?

The companies behind these global brands think it may be. Amsterdam-based Heineken is scheduled to open a $127 million brewery in mid-2014 on the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa. Unilever, the British-Dutch consumer-products giant, announced plans this month to open a factory near Addis Ababa that's expected to produce detergents such as Omo. Louisville-based Yum! Brands Inc., which owns KFC, is also considering a move into Ethiopia. Read more...