Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited (SZL) plans to commission its $20,5 million Minute Maid brand production plant in the first quarter of 2012, it has been learnt.
The company is currently importing the brand from South Africa and Kenya.
“We bought the equipment from Germany and we expect it to be in the country in December this year. The equipment will be assembled and commissioned in January 2012,” SZL managing director Charles Msipa said.
He said the plant had a capacity of producing 18 000 bottles per hour. At the moment it produces an average of 6 000 bottles per hour.
Msipa said the company had already injected $12,5 million into the plant at Willowvale and civil works had begun.
He added that $8 million would be used for securing equipment for distribution and cold drink equipment.
“This will enable the company to sell the Minute Maid brand to regional countries such as Botswana Mozambique and Zambia,” Msipa said.
Msipa said the company was preparing to increase yearly production from 12,2 billion units as of 2010 through the commissioning of the new brand and entering into new markets.
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The managing director said increases in population and demand for nutrition and energy drinks provided a solid platform to introduce juices to their brands.
The company owned 49% by Delta Beverages and 51% by Aterton Investment Pvt Ltd (that comprises Schweppes employee share trust) and the executive (beverages partners) is largely known for its Mazoe Orange Crush brand.
