Zambia: SABMiller’s National Breweries to expand in coming months

National Breweries Plc is set to expand in coming months after the commission last year of its new state-of-the-art production plant in Lusaka, Zambia. The company is notable for producing Chikubu, a popular traditional beer, African Business Review reported on July 1.

The company has recently increased operational and capital focus on improving efficiencies and product quality, as well as capability enhancements. This has been achieved through the construction of a K200 million state-of-the-art brewery and packaging line in Lusaka.

Managing Director Annabelle Degroot noted the success of these improvements, but also emphasised that challenges remain for the brewer. She said: “The big competition is from formal companies who are well established breweries and who are delivering bulk opaque beer very blatantly in front of the authorities. We are engaging local councils on the issue and we are looking at what other avenues are available to take action and encourage the authorities to enforce the regulations.”

She also noted that consumers are facing a decline in disposable income due to unfavourable economic conditions, and as a result were turning to cheaper illicit bulk offerings.

National Breweries plc, alongside sister companies Zambian Breweries Plc and Heinrich’s Syndicate, is part of the SABMiller Group, one of the world’s largest brewers, with more than 200 beer brands and some 70,000 employees in over 75 countries

03 July, 2015