Dutch brewer Heineken yesterday laid the foundation stone for its first beer factory in the southeastern African country of Mozambique.
The $100m brewery will be in the province of Maputo, and the first bottle is expected to come off the production line in the first half of 2019.
Heineken only opened a sales and marketing office there last year, importing beers such as Heineken, Amstel and Sagres.
The company said the facility represents a ‘major step’ in the country as it expects to create 200 jobs following the investment.
In a press statement Boudewijn Haarsma, international managing director of East and West Africa, said: "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. With our extensive experience and existing business in Africa, we also aim to be a partner for growth today in Mozambique as we already are throughout the continent.
"I am convinced our presence will contribute to the economic and social development that is already under way in Mozambique."
Heineken says it wants to source 60% of its agricultural raw materials in Africa by 2020.
Heineken Mozambique general manager Nuno Simes added: "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 continue to provide enjoyment to Mozambican consumers with our brands."
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