Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially commissioned phases six and seven of the Varun Beverages manufacturing plant, celebrating the addition of new carbonated drinks and water production lines, as well as a state-of-the-art warehouse facility.
Speaking at the event, President Mnangagwa praised the company’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s industrial growth and the creation of jobs.
“It is my singular honour and pleasure to officiate at this commissioning of the new production lines and warehouse facility here at Varun Beverages,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended the company for its resilience and investments in Zimbabwe, adding, “The increasing number of investments in our economy is a show of confidence in the robust measures implemented by my administration. This continues to create an enabling business environment, making Zimbabwe a more lucrative place to do business.”
Varun Beverages first entered Zimbabwe in 2018 with an initial investment of US$30 million. Since then, the company has steadily expanded, with milestones celebrated in 2019, 2021, and 2023. The newly commissioned production lines will boost capacity from 80 million to 100 million bottles of sparkling drinks and bottled water per month.
He emphasized the alignment of these investments with Zimbabwe’s vision to establish vibrant provincial economies and distinct provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) metrics.
“Today, we celebrate the success of a company that, in just six years, has made a substantial economic impact through investments in manufacturing plants and industrial infrastructure,” the President remarked.
President Mnangagwa also announced a foundation stone-laying ceremony for Varun Beverages’ upcoming snacks business, expected to create 1,000 to 1,200 direct and indirect jobs.
“Your plans to expand into dairy and juice production by 2025 are also commendable,” he noted.
The President urged local authorities to ensure reliable services for businesses and called on investors to explore export opportunities within the SADC, COMESA, and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Let us, in unity of purpose, continue to build the Zimbabwe we want to live in, work, and do business,” he concluded.
In 2023, President Mnangagwa officially commissioned the VARUN 4th and 5th phase water and bottle project as Zimbabwe continues to court investors across various sectors.
Ensuring locally produced goods fill up the shelves is a key mandate for the Second Republic. This latest development underscores Zimbabwe’s progress toward industrialization and economic empowerment under the Second Republic.
