UGANDA – Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) has significantly enhanced Uganda’s beverage industry with the launch of a state-of-the-art production line at its headquarters in Namanve.
The new facility, with a capacity of 67,000 bottles per hour, represents a substantial investment exceeding US$27 million and was commissioned in 2022.
Melkamu Abebe, General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, said: “We are thought and execution leaders in operational efficiencies, and we made sure our production line goes beyond production numbers.
This translates to shared opportunity across the value chain. It means job creation, with CCBU currently employing over 900 people. Additionally, the increased production significantly boosts local businesses supplying us with raw materials and services.”
This strategic move aims to ensure that CCBU’s range of soft drinks is widely available across Uganda, meeting growing consumer demand with consistent product quality.
The introduction of the new polyethylene phthalate (PET) production line aligns with Uganda’s broader industrial goals.
As the country aims to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 27.4% to 31% by 2040 and boost the share of the labor force in the sector to 26%, CCBU’s expansion plays a critical role in this national economic strategy.
Abebe emphasized the company’s commitment to Uganda’s development, stating, “Demand for our products has increased across Uganda. So, we invest to ensure that we reach our customers and consumers with the best quality products available in the market.”
The new production line is expected to stimulate job creation within the community and reduce imports, encouraging local manufacturing. This aligns with government initiatives to promote industrialization through specialized zones established since the late 1990s.
The increased production capacity also promises increased taxable income for the government, reinforcing CCBU’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s developmental goals.
CCBU recently introduced a new system for CCBU distributors in a bid to enhance beverage accessibility across the region.
This user-friendly online platform streamlines operations and improves customer service by allowing distributors to track sales, access real-time data, and plan deliveries accurately.
The system also enables daily performance tracking, allowing the sales and marketing team to provide additional support as needed and maintain a smooth distribution network.
To further support distributors and retailers, CCBU has distributed over 47,000 coolers nationwide, ensuring that beverages are stored and served at optimal temperatures.
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. HERE
