Beitbridge Juicing targets 70% export growth

SCHWEPPES Zimbabwe’s fruit processing and juice blending division — Beitbridge Juicing — targets to increase exports by 70% in the next five years, buoyed by a variety of fruits production and a strong out-grower network of commercial and small-scale farmers.

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

The company has mapped out an aggressive export growth strategy, Schweppes Zimbabwe’s marketing and public affairs director, Unaiswi Nleya Nyikadzino said in emailed responses to NewsDay.

“The company will be processing a variety of fruit, with expanded production facilities and a strong out-grower network of commercial and small-scale farmers,” she said.

“The business contribution will be 70% exports and 30% domestic, with local demand for fruit concentrates, oils, essences and purees fully met.”

Nyikadzino said business performance in the first nine months of the year has been below par due to the drought-induced low citrus fruit yields.

“Oranges in particular, are 80% of our portfolio. We processed 14 500 tonnes of citrus although we had targeted 20 000 tonnes,” she said.

Nyikadzino said their main export market was South Africa “although, we have also supplied Zambia.”

She said revenue projection for 2016 would be below last year due to the unavailability of adequate fruit quantities for processing.

Nyikadzino, however, said they were looking forward to a much more positive performance by end of year under the challenging business environment.

Schweppes, a manufacturer and distributor of non-carbonated still beverages, acquired 100% of Beitbridge Juicing, a supplier of orange concentrate, orange oil, orange essence oil, grapefruit juice and grapefruit oil in 2014.

Its product portfolio includes cordials, fruit juices, bottled water, and flavoured drinks. These products are marketed under Mazoe, Minute Maid, Schweppes water and Ripe ’n Ready brands.