Web Analytics
Schweppes Africa Limited unveils plans to expand o...

Schweppes Africa Limited unveils plans to expand operations into Botswana

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited has revealed major plans to expand their fruit production and processing business into Botswana.

Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited Board of Directors Chairperson Mr Vulindlela Ndlovu revealed the plan during a tour of the Schweppes processing plant in Willowvale, Harare with Botswana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape on Friday.

Ndlovu said the decision represents a significant shift in Schweppes' strategic thinking and illustrates their dedication to advancing their operations within the region.

"A significant shift that has taken place in our strategic thinking during the last 6 months is to actively consider expanding our fruit production and processing operations into Botswana. 

"We are in dialogue with the Botswana Investment and Trade Center officials regarding our plans to expand our fruit production and processing business and are enjoying their unstinting and consistent support."

Dr Kwape said Botswana has the potential to support Schweppes' expansion into the country, with its large citrus farms and the capacity to produce 70,000 tonnes of citrus per year, highlighting the potential for increased production and processing capacity if the company were to invest in Botswana's agricultural sector.

"We have the best citrus farms in Botswana with the capacity of producing 70 thousand tonnes in a year, that production needs processing and they have the capacity that we have seen. Almost everything is automated, and they have the capacity to do over 60 million litres a year, so we want such an investment to be done in Botswana, so they are in negotiations with Botswana both the financial sector, the land administration sector and the business sector."

Dr Kwape toured Schweppes' processing plant, which demonstrated the company's potential to significantly contribute to Botswana's citrus production and processing capacity. 

The tour provided a valuable opportunity for the minister to witness the company's advanced facilities firsthand, informing his understanding of the proposed investment's impact.

Leave Comments

Top