Table of Contents
Key Points
- Bakhresa Group invests $8.4 million to expand its Mwandege plant, doubling annual fruit processing capacity.
- The project will increase production from 45,000 tonnes to 100,000 tonnes annually.
- Over 150,000 farmers will benefit from the company’s expanded operations.
Bakhresa Food Products (BFP), a subsidiary of Tanzania’s Bakhresa Group, has announced a 20 billion Tanzanian shilling ($8.4 million) investment to expand its Mwandege Plant in Mkuranga, Coast Region. This expansion will increase the company’s fruit juice production capacity from 45,000 tonnes to 100,000 tonnes annually, meeting the growing demand in both local and international markets.
The investment underscores Bakhresa Group’s commitment to strengthening Tanzania’s beverage sector. Speaking at the launch of the rebranded African Fruti logo and packaging, the Group’s Head of Public Relations, Hussein Sufian, said, “By the end of this financial year, we will complete the Mwandege plant expansion, enabling us to process up to 100,000 tonnes of fruits annually.”
Currently, BFP processes mangoes, pineapples, oranges, passion fruit, and tamarind, sourcing raw materials from over 150,000 farmers. With nine factories in Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region, BFP is one of Tanzania’s largest manufacturers and a significant contributor to the country’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Boosting farmer incomes and expanding exports
BFP’s operations have provided direct employment for 2,000 people and indirectly supported 30,000 vendors. By sourcing fruits from tens of thousands of farmers, the company strengthens rural economies by ensuring a consistent market for their produce.
The company is also a significant taxpayer, contributing 180 billion Tanzanian shillings ($75.6 million) in taxes last financial year, with expectations to surpass 200 billion Tanzanian shillings ($84.4 million) this year.
BFP exports its products to 15 markets, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, China, and Yemen. The Mwandege Plant expansion aims to further enhance the company’s export capacity, solidifying Tanzania’s position in regional and global beverage markets.
Commitment to Tanzanian manufacturing and economic growth
During the rebranding launch, Tanzania’s Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr. Selemani Jafo, emphasized the importance of consuming locally produced goods like African Fruti to support domestic manufacturing. He assured manufacturers of continued government patronage to promote industrialization.
Owned by billionaire Said Salim Bakhresa, the Bakhresa Group is one of Tanzania’s largest conglomerates, operating in food processing, transportation, logistics, and beverages. The Mwandege Plant expansion aligns with the group’s mission to advance Tanzania’s industrial sector, create jobs, and expand export opportunities.
In addition to expanding capacity, BFP has invested 12 billion Tanzanian shillings ($5.4 million) to upgrade its packaging techniques, enhancing the appeal of African Fruti products in competitive markets.
The investment exemplifies Bakhresa Group’s dedication to producing high-quality products, boosting industrialization, and driving Tanzania’s economic growth through sustainable and innovative initiatives.
