Online Reporter
VARUN Beverages Limited (VBL), the world’s second-largest PepsiCo franchisee outside the United States, continues to deepen its footprint in Zimbabwe through significant investments across the beverages, snacks and brewing sectors.
In December 2024, President Mnangagwa, inaugurated Varun Beverages Zimbabwe’s carbonated soft drinks and bottled water production line. During the same event, the foundation stone was laid for the company’s new snacks manufacturing facility.
Over the past year, Varun Beverages Zimbabwe has been selling and distributing PepsiCo snack brands such as Lay’s, Doritos and Simba through an import-based model. The company has now completed its own snacks production line, which will manufacture the soft extruded Cheetos range, a globally recognised PepsiCo brand.
Cheetos will be launched in two pack sizes, offering five flavours and two shapes, making up a total of 20 SKUs. According to the CEO of Varun Beverages Zimbabwe, the introduction of Cheetos represents a major step towards local sourcing of maize, enabling deeper engagement with Zimbabwean farmers. This is expected to boost demand for agricultural produce, build sustainable farmer–corporate partnerships and support the national economy.
The CEO added that the beverages industry has seen rapid growth since the company introduced bottled water and sparkling drinks in 2018. A similar transformation is anticipated in the snacks segment. With strong innovation, international brands and world-class quality standards, Varun Beverages’ entry into local snacks manufacturing is expected to reshape the industry while still allowing space for multiple players in a growing market.
With the addition of Cheetos, Varun Beverages Zimbabwe will now manufacture and distribute Lays, Doritos, Simba and Cheetos, significantly expanding its snacks portfolio.
Turning to beverages, the CEO highlighted progress in the company’s collaboration with global brewing major Carlsberg. Construction of the brewery plant has begun, with Varun Beverages aiming to start producing, selling and distributing Carlsberg beer by mid 2027. Discussions with Government and local farmers to support the project are ongoing. In the interim, Varun Beverages will operate on a trading model for Carlsberg beer and is likely to launch the brand by April 2026 under this arrangement.
The upcoming beer project is expected to increase demand for barley, maize and other agriculture-based raw materials, creating significant opportunities for farmers. Through backward integration and structured collaboration, the project will enhance farm productivity and encourage better utilisation of agricultural land for both snacks and beer production.
In conclusion, the CEO said Varun Beverages’ expansion into snacks and brewing — strengthened by international brands such as Cheetos and Carlsberg — will offer consumers broader choices and introduce new go to market strategies. With Zimbabwe’s economy growing and currency stability improving, the company believes the industry holds strong potential for sustained expansion involving multiple players.
