Iuze Mukube
Namibia Breweries Limited, one of the major private sector players in the domestic economy, last week unveiled a new wine packaging line, constituting an investment of N$337 million.
The new packaging line, a significant milestone for the company, is a strategic move to expand production capacity, and diversify the brand portfolio.
At the launch event, NBL’s managing director Peter Simons said the new wine packaging line enriches the company’s brand portfolio, allowing it to offer a diverse range of beverages beyond beer, including wine, cider, spirits as well as low and non-alcoholic options.
“In addition to the N$337 million investment to install the new wine packaging line, we have invested N$44 million to improve the existing packaging lines, allowing us to produce and package our popular ciders, such as Savanna and Hunters, locally for the first time,” he said.
He added that the NBL warehouse was extended by 4400 square metres with a further investment of N$56 million.
NBL’s new board chairman, Vetumbuavi Mungunda, added that NBL aims to further exemplify the company’s contribution to Namibia’s socio-economic development.
Its beer exports amounted to N$747 million in 2023, and was in April awarded as the Highest Contributor to Tax and Excise by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA).
“With regards to our new wine line and cider production, customs and excise previously paid in South Africa will now be paid in Namibia,” he added.
He remarked that the local bottling and packaging of wine will deepen the country’s skill sets and knowledge base relating to the portfolio of beverages and other manufactured products.
President Nangolo Mbumba, who officiated last week’s momentous occasion, said the event marked the conclusion of the N$394 million investment, which included the construction of a new packaging hall, installation of a state-of-the-art wine packaging line as well as the warehouse expansion.
“This investment reflects NBL’s commitment to strengthening the local manufacturing capacity, creating jobs and earning Namibia more foreign currency through exports,” noted the President.
He continued that the value addition for Namibia, particularly for NBL to bottle, fill and package popular ciders, such as Savanna and Hunters, previously packaged in South Africa, will reduce the country’s reliance on imports, and create many opportunities for local, small and medium enterprises.
Lucia Iipumbu, industrialisation and trade minister, said she is grateful to NBL for keeping its promise to continue its existing operations and production in the country, and also for enlisting and sourcing from local enterprises.
“When we learned of the acquisition of NBL by Heineken, we were all worried that our famous Windhoek Lager, which is highly recognised in the world market, would cease to exist. However, when we visited this facility two years ago, they assured us that there would be no disruption whatsoever to their existing operations and production,” she remarked.
“It is, therefore, gratifying to note that they have kept their promise, and have gone further to introduce new products. This new wine line represents an important diversification of the breweries’ product range, and demonstrates their ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive global market,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, NBL noted it has employed 16 new permanent operators overseeing the wine packaging process.
They have also offered permanent positions to 23 temporary staff in packaging, and a further eight in logistics and distribution. –mukubeiuze@gmail.com