Zimbabwe News Update
herald_improved
6 min read
Tapiwanashe MangwiroSenior Business ReporterVarun Beverages Zimbabwe, the local unit of India’s Varun Beverages Limited, has signed a landmark sales and distribution agreement with global beer giant, Carlsberg, for the African market with Zimbabwe set to spearhead the first phase of the rollout.In a congratulatory message to general managers and the head of sales, Mr Vijay Bahl, chief executive officer (CEO) of Varun Beverages Zimbabwe, said the agreement marks the first step in a broader expansion strategy that will see Zimbabwe become a key hub for beer production under the Carlsberg brand.“Varun Beverages Ltd signed a sale and distribution agreement for beer with Carlsberg for Africa, including Zimbabwe as the first phase,” Mr Bahl said.
“In the second phase, the manufacturing will be done in Zimbabwe with the successful launch of beer in the local market.”The deal positions Zimbabwe as a strategic base for regional beer exports, complementing Varun’s existing operations in soft drinks manufacturing.
Phase two, which involves setting up local brewing operations, is expected to strengthen industrial capacity while creating new employment opportunities in the beverages sector.The development comes on the back of Varun’s significant local investments, including a US$20 million expansion completed last year that added new production lines for carbonated drinks and bottled water at the Harare plant.The company also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) in 2024 to facilitate the establishment of a new snacks and juice manufacturing division.According to Mr Bahl, Varun will commission its own snacks manufacturing line, specifically soft extruded products, starting in January 2026.
Read the full article
