Bakhresa Group to invest US$500M to double soft drink production in Tanzania 

TANZANIA – Bakhresa Food Products Limited (BFPL), a subsidiary of the Bakhresa Group, has launched a major expansion of its soft drinks factory in Mwandege, Tanzania, as part of efforts to double production capacity and meet rising consumer demand. 

The investment, valued at US$500 million (approximately Tsh1.3 trillion), will increase the facility’s daily production from 150,000 cartons to 300,000 cartons.  

Spanning 17 hectares, the project marks a significant milestone as the company celebrates the 50th anniversary of its flagship Azam brand. Completion is expected by next year. 

Azam, founded in 1975, has grown into a widely recognised brand across Africa, known for its affordability and reliability in everyday consumer products. 

Speaking on the expansion, Hussein Sufian, Director of Public Relations at Bakhresa Group, said the project aligns with the company’s goal of improving capacity to serve its expanding customer base.  

“This expansion is a significant step towards meeting the growing demands of our customers,” he stated. 

As part of the upgrade, the company has launched a new juice brand for children named Tamtam, available in pineapple, orange, and mixed fruit flavours. The launch supports Bakhresa’s commitment to innovation and meeting varied consumer preferences. 

Sufian highlighted the company’s reliance on domestic agricultural supply chains, revealing that raw materials are sourced from around 100,000 local farmers organised through cooperative societies.  

“We have a policy of using locally produced raw materials. We urge farmers to grow the required fruit varieties and meet quality standards,” he noted. 

BFPL’s Quality Officer, Charles Haiyola, confirmed that the installation of new machinery has already boosted capacity. “We previously produced 150,000 to 200,000 cartons daily. With this upgrade, we now reach 250,000 to 300,000 cartons,” he explained. 

This soft drink expansion follows other investments by the Bakhresa Group, including a US$300 million sugar plant under Bagamoyo Sugar Limited and a Tsh20 billion (US$8.4 million) fruit juice capacity expansion announced in December 2024. 

With operations in nine African countries, the Bakhresa Group continues to promote industrial growth and economic empowerment across Eastern and Southern Africa through its diverse product offerings and regional partnerships. 

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