Varun Beverages announces US$650 million Zimbabwe investment for new plant and 500MW solar project

Varun Beverages announces US$650 million Zimbabwe investment for new plant and 500MW solar project
For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KPKHV62YLF92BvfqmgemLT

Varun Beverages says it is committing a US$650 million investment in Zimbabwe towards a new beverages plant and a 500-megawatt (MW) solar power project, with ground-breaking for both ventures expected in the second quarter of this year.

The investment was announced after company executives met President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House. The company also said it had presented a pipeline of products beyond traditional soft drinks.

Varun Beverages chairperson Ravi Jaipuria said the company has already put US$15 million into a snacks production line and plans to launch a US$250 million beer plant in partnership with Danish brewer Carlsberg.

“We came here to ask His Excellency to inaugurate our snacks plant, which has a capacity of 6,000 tonnes and is already producing under the Cheetos brand. We’ve also requested him to officiate the ground-breaking ceremony for our beer plant, which will create 2,500 jobs and support local farmers,” Jaipuria said.

The proposed beer plant would represent Varun Beverages’ move into large-scale beer production in Zimbabwe. The company said the project is expected to create 2,500 jobs and to support local farmers through sourcing arrangements linked to the value chain.

The company also outlined a renewable energy plan in partnership with INOX, saying the 500MW solar power project would be delivered within three years, at an estimated cost of between US$350 million and US$400 million. Varun Beverages said the first phase of 200MW is expected to begin this year.

To Advertise Inbox Us: https://wa.me/263719679800

Varun Beverages said its latest commitments build on investments made over the past decade in Zimbabwe, during which it has expanded manufacturing capacity and created jobs.

The announcement comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue investment-led industrial expansion, including projects in manufacturing and renewable energy. The company’s proposed 500MW solar facility is likely to be closely watched given ongoing national interest in electricity supply and the shift towards cleaner power sources.

No further technical details were provided on the exact locations of the planned plant and solar installations, timelines beyond the stated ground-breaking window, or the financing structure for the projects.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for all the News from Mashonaland Central – Bindura, Mbire, Guruve, Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Shamva, Mazowe & Muzarabani: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacMUmW5fM5a666kb33A