By Modupe Gbadeyanka
World’s premium beer maker, Heineken, has commenced the construction its first brewery in Mozambique.
The globally renowned firm laid the foundation stone of the project this week and was witnessed by top government officials in the Southern African nation, including the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Max Tonela.
Located in Maputo, the new brewery, incorporating the latest technologies, represents a $100 million investment in the country and will have a production capacity of 0.8 million hectolitres and will brew high quality beers for the domestic market. The first bottle of beer is expected to come off the production line in the first half of 2019.
Heineken Mozambique started its activities in 2016 through a sales and marketing office, importing international beers including Heineken, Amstel, Amstel Lite and Sagres in the country to offer more choice to Mozambican consumers.
The construction of Heineken’s very first brewery has been described as a major step forward for the company’s presence in the country.
With this significant investment, Heineken Mozambique is expected to create 200 direct jobs and support additional indirect jobs through its entire value chain.
Aligned with the Heineken ambition of sourcing 60 percent of its agricultural raw materials in Africa by 2020, Heineken Mozambique will explore the possibility of locally sourcing the raw materials it will need to produce its beers.
One of the objectives of this project will be to improve crop yields as well as the capabilities and living standards of Mozambican farmers, contributing to the economic development of the country.
According to Heineken International’s Managing Director for East & West Africa, Mr Boudewijn Haarsma, “We are delighted to enter Mozambique, where we see promising long-term economic perspectives. The project is progressing well thanks to the support of the Mozambican government and its commitment to bring investments into the country.
“Investing in a new market like Mozambique supports Heineken’s ambition to expand its footprint and be the number one or a strong number two in all markets in which it operates.
“With our extensive experience and existing business in Africa, we also aim to be a partner for growth today in Mozambique as we already are throughout the continent.
“I am convinced our presence will contribute to the economic and social development that is already under way in Mozambique.”
Further commenting, Heineken Mozambique’s General Manager, Nuno Simes, stated that, “With Heineken’s passion for quality, our new brewery will deliver high quality beers to Mozambique according to the international standards of the Heineken company. We look forward to continue to provide enjoyment to Mozambican consumers with our brands.”
