The Sunday News
AFRICAN Distillers Limited will start exporting its beverage products into neighbouring southern African countries soon after completing formalities with the Southern Africa Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa trading blocs.
Afdis managing director Mr Cecil Gombera said the company’s capacity utilisation had increased by more than 10 percent since the installation its state-of-the-art $5 million cider production and packaging line late last year hence the need to expand its foothold into the region.
“Exports into North of Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia have not yet commenced as we are in the process of finalising application for Sadc and Comesa certificates of origin so that we can benefit from trade agreements under these regional groups to enable us to compete in these markets,” Mr Gombera said.
Zimbabwe is a member of both Sadc and Comesa.
He was, however, optimistic that formalities by the two trading blocs would be approved soon.
The company has also set sights on introducing a number of new products into the market as part of its efforts to boost its coffers.
“We are always looking at opportunities to introduce new products into the market as well as upgrading our current product portfolio in line with consumer demands. We recently upgraded our Green Valley wine brand as well as launching Forth Street,” Mr Gombera said.
He said the new cider production and packaging line was performing in line with the company’s expectations.
“We have witnessed growth in demand for these products since commencement of our local production.
“Capacity continues to improve from 31 to 42 percent since installation of the new cider plant. Utilisation is expected to grow above 50 percent through additional volumes from exports and as more products are moved to this line,” he said.
He said investment resulted in the business’ installed annual production capacity improving from 34 million to 54 million litres.
The new packaging line produces 4 200 litres per hour, an improvement from the 1 300 litres produced on the old lines.
Before commissioning the new line, Afidis was importing its Ciders from South Africa.
The company was registered in 1944 as PJ Joubert Limited and in 1946, it later changed its name to African Distillers Limited.
Its activities were centred on the sale and distribution of imported spirits and wines.
It now manufactures the bulk of the products it markets at its factory in Harare.
It operates six depots situated in Bulawayo, Harare, Kwekwe, Masvingo, Mutare and Victoria Falls.
