Beverages manufacturing unit, Delta, an associate of global brewer SABMiller recorded a volumes growth in lagers and soft drinks last year, it has been learnt.
Delta is the largest brewer and soft drinks bottler in the country.
In a trading update, the London-based brewer, which has a 36% interest in Delta said Africa lager volumes for the full year (2010) grew 13% on an organic basis assisted by a strong final quarter.
“Excluding our share of Zimbabwe’s volumes, lager volume growth would have been 9%. In Tanzania lager volumes grew by 5% with particularly strong growth in the premium segment, and assisted by the new Mbeya brewery in the south,” SAB Miller said.
“In Zimbabwe our associate saw robust growth in lager and soft drinks volumes. After a very strong final quarter, Zambia lager volumes ended the year up 28% with growth fuelled by stronger prevailing economic conditions and the excise reduction at the start of the year.
“Our associate Castel delivered full year lager volume growth of 4%, driven by good volume performance in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Chad. Soft drinks volumes for the year grew by 8% (4% growth excluding Zimbabwe) on an organic basis.”
In February this year Delta installed a new plant at its Bulawayo factory aimed at increasing production levels.
The high-tech Krones AG equipment from Germany produces 42 000 340ml bottles per hour, 42 000 375ml pint bottles per hour and 27 500 750ml quarts bottles per hour.
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SABMiller volumes in Uganda grew by 20%, ahead of market growth, driven by continuing strong market execution. Lager volumes in Asia grew by 8% on an organic basis in the fourth quarter and by 10% for the year.
The group’s portfolio of brands includes Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch, as well as leading local brands such as Aguila, Castle, Miller Lite, Snow and Tyskie.
