President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned Varun Beverages’ new Cheetos manufacturing plant, Wednesday, describing the US$20 million investment as a definitive endorsement of Zimbabwe’s economic policies and manufacturing excellence.
The expansion, which includes a foundation stone for a new juice and dairy blending facility, aligns with the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra by proving the country’s ability to host world-class international brands.
Endorsement of Economic Stability
The local production of globally celebrated brands like Cheetos is being viewed by the government as a primary endorsement of Zimbabwe’s economy, policy framework, and its capacity to deliver high-quality, internationally competitive products.
President Mnangagwa noted that the expansion of Varun Beverages—a subsidiary of RJ Corporation —demonstrates the success of the country’s ease-of-doing-business reforms.
“I am pleased to note that this complex has significantly expanded into a world-class manufacturing hub, with the addition of five more production lines, which include the production capacity of nearly 120 million bottles per month.
Additionally, the provision of direct employment of approximately 2,000 people, as well as indirect empowerment opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs is a commendable achievement.
“The company’s impressive growth strategy, illustrates what can be achieved through consistency, sustained investment, and strong collaboration between government and the private sector,” President Mnangagwa said.
Expansion and Diversification
The US$20 million capital injection is part of a broader strategy to diversify Zimbabwe’s industrial base. Key highlights of the expansion include:
*Production Surge: The complex has evolved from a single production line in 2018 to a world-class hub with six lines, capable of producing nearly 120 million bottles per month.
*Juice and Dairy Blending: A foundation stone was also laid for a new juice and dairy blend facility, further broadening the company’s footprint in the nutrition segment.
*Renewable Energy: Through RJ Corporation, the group has committed to future investments in renewable energy, including 500 MW of solar power across Matabeleland South, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland West.
Commitment to the “Open for Business” Mantra
President Mnangagwa emphasised that this investment aligns with the national vision of reaching an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
To sustain this momentum, government recently approved the reduction of various regulatory fees and compliance costs to further stimulate industrial growth.
Government introduced a broad set of regulatory reforms targeting the manufacturing, financial services, real estate, and health sectors, aimed at easing compliance requirements, reducing licensing fees and removing administrative barriers affecting companies and small businesses.
Beyond manufacturing, the investment is expected to bolster local value chains by outsourcing maize throughput and supporting small-scale dairy farmers, thereby accelerating rural industrialisation.
“Varun Beverages’ growing investments in this country are aligned with our national vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income economy by 2030,” President Mnangagwa said.
Currently, capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector is surging beyond 60%, with the economy recording average growth of 5.5% per annum since Varun Beverages first launched its initial production line.