Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
BULAWAYO-BASED Ingwebu Breweries is making significant strides in modernising its production processes after completing the installation of a state-of-the-art US$1,7 million Beer PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) packaging plant.
The ambitious project aims to enhance product distribution, extend shelf life and position the company competitively in the fast-changing beverage industry.
The investment aligns with Ingwebu Breweries’ broader strategy to diversify its packaging solutions, ensuring convenience and accessibility for consumers.
Known for its opaque sorghum beer packaged in traditional containers, the company is expanding into PET packaging, which is expected to improve product preservation while catering for modern consumer preferences.
According to Ingwebu Breweries’ management, the PET packaging project is expected to revolutionise the company’s production process.
By shifting to plastic bottle packaging, the brewery will enhance its ability to distribute products to wider markets, particularly in areas where traditional containers pose logistical challenges.
For instance, with just two weeks in operation, the new plant has enabled the firm to distribute to the Beitbridge market due to extended product shelf life.
Speaking to Business Hub yesterday, the company’s managing director, Mr Dumisani Mhlanga, highlighted the importance of the investment.
“We have been operating the new plant for the past two weeks. This project is a game-changer for Ingwebu Breweries. The PET packaging plant will allow us to modernise our operations, increase production efficiency, and meet growing consumer demand for convenient and durable packaging,’ said Mr Mhlanga.
“It’s been very exciting because our consumers are happy. We have not penetrated the market fully in places such as Beitbridge which are new market areas.
“I have no doubt we are going to grow volumes there. We have also gone to Kwekwe and the target is to go as far as Chegutu and Kadoma.”
The installation of the Beer PET plant comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s beverage industry is experiencing increased competition from international players.
With its deep-rooted heritage in Bulawayo, Ingwebu Breweries is looking to leverage innovation to maintain its market share and remain a dominant force in the industry.
The PET packaging is becoming increasingly popular due to its weight, cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits when properly managed through recycling initiatives.
The investment also signals Ingwebu Breweries’ commitment to sustainability and modern business practices.
Beyond its impact on production and distribution, the Beer PET project is expected to create employment opportunities in Bulawayo and surrounding areas in the process providing much-needed economic benefits to local communities.
“For now, we want to grow the product and in the next few years, we will be talking about having a new plant to increase capacity,” said Mhlanga.
“We have about 400 workers and the new project has employed an additional 21. Some of the workers running the plant were moved from other sections.”
Mr Mhlanga added that the new plant will further boost support to local farmers.
“We have sorghum contract farmers in Chikombedzi and Binga. This model has existed for a long time. Last year we could, however, not get much from them due to drought. We are hopeful of better fortunes this year.”
