Varun Beverages commissions new production lines in Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE – Varun Beverages (Zimbabwe) (Pvt) Ltd has commissioned two new production lines aimed at boosting the output of its Aquaclear bottled water and sparkling soft beverages.  

The expansion, part of the company’s Phase 6 development, will enable production of 400 bottles of Aquaclear bottled water per minute and 340 bottles of soft beverages per minute. 

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa presided over the commissioning ceremony and lauded the initiative’s contribution to the country’s economy.  

He highlighted the critical role of private sector investments in fostering industrial growth and achieving structural transformation. 

“I applaud the critical role that the private sector is playing in growing the industrial sector and fostering real structural transformation towards an investment-driven economy. This is quite commendable and indeed a clear testimony of the resilience we have shown over these years,” said Mnangagwa. 

Varun Beverages Limited chairperson Ravi Jaipuria expressed gratitude for the warm reception of Pepsi products in Zimbabwe since the company began operations in 2018. 

He also announced the upcoming launch of the 7th phase of investment, which involves laying the foundation for a PepsiCo International Snacks Manufacturing Facility in Zimbabwe. 

“Varun Relative Foods Zimbabwe Limited has been given the snacks franchise to make, sell, and deliver PepsiCo brand snacks,” said Jaipuria. 

Recently, Varun Beverages announced a US$50 million investment for a new Pepsi production plant in Kiswishi City, Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

This facility, spanning 15 hectares within the Kiswishi City Special Economic Zone, will serve Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province, and surrounding regions. 

The company also expanded its portfolio in July by entering an agreement with PepsiCo to manufacture and distribute snacks in Zimbabwe and Zambia. 

Driven by strong demand in international markets, particularly in Africa, Varun Beverages reported a 22 percent increase in sales volume to 267.5 million cases.  

The company’s revenue rose by 25 percent, reaching nearly Rs 50 billion (US$594.7 million), with significant contributions from its South Africa-based subsidiary, BevCo. 

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