ZIMBABWE – Meat processor Bellevue Abattoir has secured a $10 million facility to finance the launch of its fast food venture by mid-year and plans to double its retail outlets by year-end.

“We have secured a $10 million facility from an investor that we cannot name at the moment, but I can confirm that all is set for the venture,” chief executive Shingi Zinyemba told The Source last week.

Bellevue has three supermarkets and plans to double the outlets by year end.

“We have three supermarkets in Bulawayo, Harare and Murehwa and we are planning to double our retail outlets by the end of the year,” he said.

On the company’s flagship brands, Montana Meats and Bellevue Abattoir, Zinyemba said the facility in Norton was currently operating at 50% capacity.

“We are planning another abattoir by 2017, because we anticipate growth in our sales. Currently, we are at 50% capacity utilisation at our abattoir in Norton. We see our utilisation going up to 60% by mid-year,” he added.

Bellevue has 13 butcheries countrywide and plans to add another this year. The group currently employs 240 people countrywide. —The Source

February 1, 2015; https://www.newsday.co.zw/2015/02/02/bellevue-gets-10m-fast-food-venture/