Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Business Reporter
INNSCOR Africa Limited is deepening its investment in Bulawayo with a fully automated bakery production line and a two megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic plant, as the diversified group moves to expand production capacity, improve energy security and strengthen its national distribution network.
The investment, which is expected to be commissioned during the forthcoming financial year, places Bulawayo at the centre of Innscor’s ongoing expansion of its Bakery Division, which recorded a 27 percent increase in loaf volumes during the year ended June 30, 2026.
The planned investment comes as the group continues to modernise its bakery operations and increase capacity in response to growing demand, while using renewable energy to improve cost efficiency and reduce exposure to electricity supply constraints.
In its financial results for the year ended June 30, 2026, Innscor chairman Mr Addington Chinake said the investment programme was being extended from Harare to Bulawayo.
“Investment is currently underway at the Division’s Bulawayo site, where a further fully automated production line and a 2MWp solar PV system are scheduled for commissioning during the forthcoming financial year,” he said.
The Bulawayo project follows significant investment at the group’s Harare bakery, where a new fully automated production line was commissioned towards the close of the financial year.
This was complemented by a 3MWp grid-tied solar photovoltaic system, underscoring the group’s strategy of combining production expansion with investment in alternative energy.
The latest investment is significant for Bulawayo’s manufacturing base, where improved industrial capacity and reliable energy supply remain important considerations for companies seeking to expand production.
The investment also provides additional capacity to support Innscor expanding distribution network beyond the city, strengthening the role of its Bulawayo operation within its broader national food manufacturing footprint.
The group said its bakery business had delivered a strong performance during the reporting period, with loaf volumes increasing by 27 percent compared with the previous financial year.
“This growth was underpinned by the new production line commissioned at the Division’s Harare site during the latter part of the previous financial year, together with improvements in manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and distribution reach,” Mr Chinake said.
The performance provides a demand backdrop for the additional capacity being installed in Bulawayo.
The company is also expanding the infrastructure supporting the bakery business.
During the financial year, its distribution operation commissioned a new purpose-built distribution centre in Harare and expanded and upgraded its distribution fleet.
“Collectively, these investments across the Division will increase production capacity, enhance energy security and cost efficiency, and strengthen its ability to service its expanding national distribution network,” Mr Chinake said.
The investment cycle therefore links three areas of the group’s strategy — increased manufacturing capacity, energy resilience and distribution efficiency — with the Bulawayo project expected to contribute to all three.
The development also comes as Innscor’s wider Mill-Bake segment continues to navigate mixed market conditions.
The segment comprises the group’s Bakery Division, National Foods, Nutrimaster and its non-controlling interest in Profeeds.
At National Foods, aggregate volumes declined by 3 percent against the comparative financial year, largely due to contractions in the commoditised maize and stockfeed categories.
However, this was partly offset by stronger performance in Flour and higher-margin value-added fast-moving consumer goods categories.
“At National Foods, aggregate volumes closed 3% below the comparative financial year, principally reflecting contractions within the commoditised maize and stockfeed categories.
“This was partially offset by strong growth in Flour and the higher-margin, value-added FMCG categories, resulting in an improved overall sales mix,” Mr Chinake said.
Against this backdrop, the Bakery Division’s volume growth and continued capital expenditure point to the importance the group places on capacity expansion in its core food manufacturing operations.
The planned bakery investment for Bulawayo adds to the city’s industrial base while potentially creating opportunities across manufacturing support services, logistics, distribution and maintenance as the expanded operation comes on stream.
The integration of a 2MWp solar plant is also significant as manufacturers increasingly seek to improve energy reliability and manage operating costs.
The project will give the Bulawayo bakery dedicated renewable generation capacity while complementing grid electricity, potentially improving the resilience of production operations.
Innscor’s latest investment therefore signals continued confidence in the long-term growth of its bakery business and reinforces Bulawayo’s role in the group’s national manufacturing and distribution footprint.
The company expects the combined investments across its bakery operations to raise output, improve operational efficiency and strengthen its capacity to meet demand across Zimbabwe.
