International brewer Heineken has kicked off construction of a $100 million brewery in Mozambique in What Managing Director for East and West Africa Boudewijn Haarsma calls a ‘major step’ in job creation in the country.
“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,”said Mr Haarsma.
He observed that 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.
“I am convinced our presence will contribute to the economic and social development that is already under way in Mozambique.”
Located in the province of Maputo, between the Marracuene and Manhiça districts, the brewery will have a production capacity of 0.8 million hectoliters 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.
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Heineken started its activities in Mozambique last year with the creation of a sales and marketing office, importing beers such as Heineken, Amstel and Sagres into the country.
Aligned with the Heineken ambition of sourcing 60% 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, the firm said.
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.
Nuno Simes, Heineken Mozambique’s General Manager said: “With Heineken’s passion for quality, our the new brewery in Mozambique 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.”
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