Varun Beverages Zimbabwe to launch Carlsberg beer distribution
The partnership will initially bring imported Carlsberg beer to Zimbabwe, with a US$250 million brewery planned to support local production from next year.
ZIMBABWE – Varun Beverages Zimbabwe is set to launch the first phase of its partnership with Danish brewing company Carlsberg on September 20, beginning with the import and distribution of Carlsberg beer ahead of planned local production next year.
The agreement will introduce Carlsberg to Zimbabwe’s beer market through Varun Beverages, adding a new competitor to a sector dominated by Delta Corporation, the country’s leading brewer.
The arrangement forms part of a broader agreement between Varun Beverages Limited and Carlsberg covering the sale and distribution of the brewer’s products across Africa. Zimbabwe has been identified as the first market in the phased rollout.
Varun Beverages Zimbabwe chief executive officer Vijay Kumar Bahl said the company would use its established distribution infrastructure to expand the availability of Carlsberg beer across the country.
“Over the years, Varun Beverages Zimbabwe has built a strong, multi-layered route-to-market and distribution network, supported by people, infrastructure and execution capabilities, reaching customers across the country,” Bahl said.
“We now look forward to putting that distribution strength behind a globally recognised beer brand and bringing it closer to Zimbabwean consumers.”
The September launch represents the first phase of the partnership, with the second phase expected to involve local manufacturing once Varun completes construction of its planned brewing facility.
Varun has earmarked US$250 million for the establishment of the brewery in partnership with Carlsberg. The investment is expected to create at least 2,500 jobs across the value chain.
The partnership also expands Varun’s presence in Zimbabwe’s beverages industry beyond soft drinks. The company has established manufacturing and distribution operations in the country’s soft drinks market, while Delta remains the dominant beer producer.
The initial distribution phase will allow Varun and Carlsberg to build their presence in Zimbabwe while preparations for local production continue.
Bahl previously described the distribution agreement as the first step in a wider expansion strategy that could position Zimbabwe as an important manufacturing base for Carlsberg.
“Varun Beverages Ltd signed a sale and distribution agreement for beer with Carlsberg for Africa, including Zimbabwe as the first phase. In the second phase, manufacturing will be done in Zimbabwe with the successful launch of beer in the local market,” Bahl said.
The planned brewery is expected to support the transition from imported Carlsberg products to locally manufactured beer. The partnership will therefore progress from distribution to production as Varun develops the required brewing infrastructure in Zimbabwe.
The September 20 launch will mark the start of Carlsberg’s entry into Zimbabwe through Varun’s distribution network, ahead of the planned commencement of local manufacturing next year.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
