Nestlé commissions milk powder facility in Zimbabwe

Nestlé Zimbabwe has commissioned a milk powder facility after upgrading it, in a move to boost production capacity.

With the upgrade and refurbishment, the plant’s manufacturing capacity will increase from 900kg to 1,600kg per hour for creamer, and from 900kg to 1,500kg for milk powders.

The plant will have an annual capacity to produce 7,500t of its coffee creamer Cremora against the present demand of 12,500t. The difference between the production capacity and demand will be met through imports.

The plant has been commissioned following an investment of around $8m.

Speaking at the commissioning of the facility, Zimbabwe Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha was quoted by News Day as stating: "The expansion in milk powders and Cremora manufacturing line comes at a time when many Zimbabwe companies are struggling or closing mostly because of lack of capitalisation."

Since 2011, Nestle has invested $30m in the facility for refurbishment and upgrade to boost production capacity.

Nestlé south cluster manager Ben Ndiaye told the publication the plant will first cater to meet local demand and then look at export markets.

"We are trying to understand the Malawian and Zambian markets. We are already exporting Cerelac, Cerevita and soon will be in a position to export Cremora to Zambia," Ndiaye told News Day.

Nestlé, which has been in Zimbabwe for close to six decades, produces milk powders, creamers, cereals, and several other products.

Nidaye added that the company will explore developing new products to meet the requirements of low income groups in Zambia and Zimbabwe.