Varun Beverages gets Simba Munchiez franchise

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Varun Beverages soon be distributing snacks in addition to its beverage and water offerings after announcing a franchise agreement with PepsiCo to manufacture, distribute and sell Simba Munchiez in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“To further strengthen the relationship with PepsiCo and expand the footprint in PepsiCo snacks portfolio, VBL through its subsidiaries-VFZ and VBZ, has discussed with PepsiCo to enter into an Exclusive Snacks Franchising Appointment with Premier Nutrition Trading LLC, Dubai, to manufacture, distribute, and sell ‘Simba Munchiez’ in the territory of Zimbabwe and Zambia,” said Varun Beverages in a statement.

“..Appointment will be effective on or before 1st October, 2025 for Zimbabwe and 1st April, 2026 for Zambia, once the respective manufacturing facilities comes into operation,” read the statement,” said Varun Beverages.

The Franchise will see an investment upwards of US$7 million targeting an annual capacity of 5000 metric tonnes for manufacturing of Simba Munchiez in multiple Stock Keeping Units at each location of the two territories.

With a distribution strategy that includes vendors in high traffic points, Varun Beverages should be able to capitalize on the high value snacks market estimated at US$177 million in Zimbabwe and US$156 million in Zambia

Varun Beverages has increased revenue by 59% in Morocco after introducing snacks.