A US$40 million Cheetos manufacturing plant and juice and dairy blend facility has opened in Zimbabwe, with authorities saying this marks a major boost for the country's industrial sector.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa applauded Varun Beverages for its commitment to investing in the nation.
"The added US$20 million investment by Varun Beverages marks industrial diversification, creation of employment opportunities for our people and manufacturing sector integration into both regional and global value chains," Mnangagwa said during the launch.
He noted that eight years ago, the company had just one production line producing 10 million bottles monthly.
The complex today features five more lines with capacity reaching nearly 120 million bottles per month, directly employing 2,000 people while supporting 13,000 indirect livelihoods across logistics, retail, distribution and farming.
Varun chairman Ravi Jaipuria announced a broader US$650 million investment plan spanning multiple sectors over the next five years, including renewable energy, recycling, and brewing.
A 130 MW green energy project has already begun in Matobo at an estimated US$300-350 million.
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"We are putting up a recyclable PET plant. After putting that plant, imports will reduce substantially, and we will be exporting to other countries from here," Jaipuria said.
Industry Minister, Nqobizitha Ndlovu, highlighted the project's linkages to local farmers, who supply grain for snacks, while pushcarts enable women and youth to sell products in rural communities.
The juice and dairy facility, expected to begin production this year, will create opportunities for dairy farmers, fruit growers, and transporters.
The company says strong early response to locally manufactured Cheetos reinforces Zimbabwe's potential as a regional manufacturing hub.
