adminDumisani Nsingo Senior Business Reporter
LEADING non-carbonated beverages manufacturer Schweppes Zimbabwe said it is introducing a wide range of products in the next three years as it moves to strengthen its foothold on the local and regional markets. Schweppes Zimbabwe general manager (marketing and public affairs), Miss Unaiswi Nleya said the increase in products was part of the company’s three-year innovation development strategy for both its beverages manufacturing (Schweppes) and juice blending (Beitbridge) divisions.
“We are targeting lucrative growth markets in the Sub-Saharan region where our products can land at very competitive prices. We also have limited exports of blended citrus juice to South Africa which will increase as Beitbridge Juicing gets adequate supplies of the right fruit grades for processing into juice,” Miss Nleya said.
She said this year the beverage making division has made significant progress on the brand, product and packaging innovations planned for the domestic market.
“Beitbridge Juicing, the fruit processing and juice blending division, will be processing other types of fruits in addition to oranges as we conclude supply of raw materials with farmers that have adequate quantities of the required fruits in the relevant grades,” Miss Nleya said.
Schweppes exports its beverages to Botswana, Zambia and Namibia but is aiming to explore other markets in the region.
“Our capacity utilisation is approximately 54 percent. We have invested in additional capacity this year in support of our product innovation.
“An increase in export business will also facilitate increased capacity utilisation leading to cost optimisation, driven by increased production efficiencies,” Miss Nleya said.
Schweppes’ product portfolio includes well renowned brands in the following categories — cordials, fruit juices, bottled water, and flavoured drinks. These products are marketed under the following brand names, Mazoe, Minute Maid, Schweppes water and Ripe ’n Ready.
Bongani Ndlovu