Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza
Senior Business Reporter
Innscor Africa Limited recorded strong volume momentum across its core manufacturing operations in the third quarter ended March 31, 2026, as it continued to prioritise affordable pricing, operational efficiencies and capacity expansion across its portfolio.
In a trading update for the third quarter of its 2026 financial year, Innscor said growth was anchored by strong performances in the Mill-Bake, Protein, Beverage and Light Manufacturing segments, despite evolving domestic policy conditions and uncertainty in international commodity markets.
“The group continued to register encouraging volume momentum across its core manufacturing operations during the third quarter of the 2026 financial year. The Mill-Bake segment maintained its positive growth trajectory, supported by expanded manufacturing capacity, improved operational efficiencies, and enhanced distribution reach,” the company said.
Innscor said the Protein segment continued to exceed expectations, reflecting strong recovery across key operations.
The Bakery division emerged as one of the strongest performers during the period, recording a 28 percent increase in loaf volumes compared to the comparative nine-month period.
The growth followed the successful commissioning of a new fully automated production line at the Harare facility in May 2025.
Innscor said the uptake of the additional capacity had been excellent, with the investment delivering improvements in product quality, consistency and operational efficiency.
The business is also commissioning a sixth bakery line at the Harare plant, with the new state-of-the-art production facility expected to come on stream before the end of the current financial year.
At National Foods Holdings Limited, aggregate volumes for the nine months closed marginally behind the comparative period as strong growth in higher-margin fast-moving consumer goods categories offset softer demand in maize and stockfeed operations.
The flour ivision posted a solid 15 percent increase in volumes, supported by firm demand from bulk bakers and stable contributions from the gloria prepack flour category.
However, the maize division registered a sharp 56 percent decline in volumes due to drought-related demand distortions experienced in the previous agricultural season under El Niño conditions.
“Despite the contraction, the company said efforts to strengthen sustainability in the unit continued, with growing traction in the premium Pearlenta refined maize meal category,” Innscor said.
