Following the announcement of its massive US$ 80 million investment, Zambian Breweries held a consultative meeting and tour of its Mungwi road brewing plant with the Bars and Nightclub owners Association of Zambia.
The nation’s largest brewer assured the BNCOAZ president and present members that the move is meant to double its capacity and service delivery to distributors and consumers. Last month, Zambian Breweries announced that it would be investing in the expansion of its Mungwi road plant, with 90% going to high tech sustainable equipment.
Zambian Breweries’ Acting Country Director Andrea Tennekoon highlighted that the investment was a significant accomplishment for the brewery.
“We have made this investment in response to Zambia’s growing market demand for our products. Zambia was among three countries in Africa zeroed in for expansion investment, along with South Africa and Nigeria. We are pleased that this will allow us to double our capacity, making Lusaka, again the biggest brewery in Zambia. We’re more than hopeful that this will also help alleviate problems of stock shortages for our distributors and of course the BNCOAZ members.”
Over the last decade the brewery has pumped over $400 million in upgrades and expansions of its production capacity. Works have already commenced with new office buildings being erected and the replacement of some key brewing equipment being installed.
Corporate affairs director Ezekiel Sekele shared that the works will take 18 months to complete and is hopeful to have the first brew from the new plant around the first quarter of 2024 when works are fully complete.”
“We’re committed to our consumers and this investment will not only benefit them but everyone else involved in our supply chain like the farmers in our outgrower schemes who grow cassava, sorghum and barley. We’re also still heavily investing in other projects such as water conservation projects to ensure we constantly have good water to produce high quality beer.” Mr Sekele said.
He further went on to share that despite the strides made in increasing its capacity and productivity, illicit alcohol still poses a challenge. A 2021 EY study estimated that K21billion in tax revenue was lost due to illicit alcohol and smuggling of counterfeit products. He appealed to members of the Association to use their voice in lobbying for a fair playing ground for all involved in the industry, especially for the proper enforcement of the National Alcohol Policy.
Meanwhile the BNCOAZ president Peter Mwale expressed happiness with the new developments and assured Zambian Breweries of its continued support.
Mr Mwale expressed: “As you know without Zambian Breweries, our businesses would not exist. We are aware of the opportunities that this industry has created and its role in helping us with our livelihoods and alleviating poverty. We’re delighted that the increased capacity will alleviate some of the supply issues that we have been facing as Association members and we will continue to support the brewery in its endeavours so that the good impact in the economy can continue as well.”
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 400 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Lager, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle beer, Stella Artois and Budweiser.
Source: Langmead & Baker Ltd
