On Monday, 4th of December 2017, global premium beer brand, Heineken laid the foundation stone of its first brewery in Mozambique. This was done in the presence of Mozambique’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Max Tonela.
“We are delighted to enter Mozambique, where we see promising long-term economic perspectives. The project is progressing well thanks to the support of the Mozambican Government and its commitment to bring investments into the country. Investing in a new market like Mozambique supports Heineken’s ambition to expand its footprint and be the number one or a strong number two in all markets in which it operates,” said Boudewijn Haarsma, Heineken International’s Managing Director East & West Africa.
The brewery, which is expected to incorporate the latest technologies, is a $100 million (€85 million) investment. The 0.8 million hectoliters production capacity brewery is located in the province of Maputo, between the Marracuene and Manhiça districts. The first bottle of high-quality beers for the domestic market is expected to come off the production line in the first half of 2019. With this significant investment, Heineken Mozambique is expected to create 200 direct jobs and support additional indirect jobs through its entire value chain.
Aligned with the Heineken ambition of sourcing for 60 percent of its agricultural raw materials in Africa by 2020, Heineken Mozambique will explore the possibility of locally sourcing the raw materials it will need to produce its beers. One of the objectives of this project will be to improve crop yields as well as the capabilities and living standards of Mozambican farmers, contributing to the economic development of the country.
“With Heineken’s passion for quality, our new brewery will deliver high-quality beers to Mozambique according to the international standards of the Heineken Company. We look forward to continuing to provide enjoyment to Mozambican consumers with our brands,” said Nuno Simes, Heineken Mozambique’s General Manager.
Heineken Mozambique started its activities in 2016 through a sales and marketing office, importing international beers including Heineken®, Amstel, Amstel Lite and Sagres in the country to offer more choice to Mozambican consumers. The construction of Heineken’s very first brewery is a major step forward for the company’s presence in the country.
