KENYA – Kenya’s leading producer of consumer goods, Bidco Africa has unveiled a new variant of its Planet drink, coming in ginger flavour.

The launch of the new carbonated soft drink is a show case of the company’s commitment in driving the country’s transformation agenda through a deliberate strategic direction and commitment towards enhancing Happy Healthy Living through innovations in manufacturing.

Commonly known as Planet Tangawizi, the beverage joins the Plant range of products already in the market, i.e., Planet Orange, Planet Passion Pineapple and Planet Mixed Berries plus Planet Aqua water.

The new product was officially launched by the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, Hon. David Osiany when he paid a courtesy call at BIDCO Industrial Park (BIP) in Ruiru – Kiambu County, reports The Star.

Accompanied by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Director of Quality Assurance and Inspection Mr.Bernard Nguyo, Hon. Osiany lauded BIDCO’s continued dedication and trust in Kenyan market by introducing and launching new products even in uncertain times.

“Our role as Government is to create an enabling environment for investors by listening to their needs and challenges then identifying the relevant areas of support; what BIDCO has done today is a mark of confidence in our economy,” said Osiany.

In a move to foster relations and collaboration between the public and the private sector, the joint visit by the Ministry and KEBS aimed to identify possible avenues through which the government can support grow the potential of manufacturers as part of the Big 4 Agenda while upscaling the economy.

“We are impressed by the investment that BIDCO has put in place to ensure the consistent production of high-quality products meant for local consumption and export markets. This goes a long way in our mandate to setting high standards of quality as a nation.”

KEBS Director of Quality Assurance – Mr. Bernard Nguyo

During the visit, BIDCO Africa showcased the huge multibillion investment in 4 manufacturing units for noodles and soft beverages, that have brought to the local and regional scene world-class systems used in the production of its food and beverage range of products.

“I have gladly noted the impressive knowledge and skills transfer that has enabled understanding of the sophisticated machines which are at the centre of the company’s operations.

“As government, we will continue to support industry players to affirm the Big 4 Agenda and play strong in the now opened regional markets such as AfCTA,” said Hon. Osiany.

Speaking during the plant tour, BIDCO Africa Group Chairman Dr. Vimal Shah noted that the company’s commitment to further invest to help grow the economy is firm.

He lauded the government’s support in ensuring ease of doing business to help attract more investors that will position the country’s competitiveness.

“We continue to put a mark of faith in the potential of our nation; we are glad to host the representatives from government today and with mutual beneficial winning partnerships, there exists a massive potential to boost our economic landscape through industry and public sector engagement,” said Dr. Vimal.

KEBS Director of Quality Assurance Mr. Bernard Nguyo expressed his satisfaction with BIDCO’s level of compliance and adherence to both local and international standards of quality while setting pace for local players to define the market landscape.

“We are impressed by the investment that BIDCO has put in place to ensure the consistent production of high-quality products meant for local consumption and export markets. This goes a long way in our mandate to setting high standards of quality as a nation,” said Mr. Nguyo.

The launch of the new variant comes nearly a year after the company in collaboration with Danish firm partner, Co-Ro foods expanded its beverage production capacity with the opening of a new US$2.5 million (Ksh.267 million) juice production line.

The new juice line was dedicated for the production of Sunquick brand, trading under BidCoRo, with the beverage targeting both local and export markets.

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE