Zambian Breweries, the country’s largest brewing company, is redefining the industry with a commitment to local sourcing, innovation, and sustainability. As the leading brewery in Zambia with a 95% market share, Zambian Breweries continues to make significant strides in both production and community development.
Local Brewing Leadership
With over 800 employees across two breweries in Lusaka and Ndola, Zambian Breweries stands as the only brewery in the country with its own brewing facilities. Unlike its competitors, which import products, Zambian Breweries takes pride in locally producing beloved beer brands such as Mosi, the national favorite, and Eagle, a beer made with locally sourced cassava.
Thais Cavinatto, the company’s Country Director, emphasized the company’s integral role in Zambia’s economy. “We’re the only brewery in Zambia that is actually producing beloved beer brands and generating jobs, so we’re truly ingrained in the country,” she said.
Supporting Agriculture and Local Farmers
A significant aspect of Zambian Breweries’ operations involves its deep ties to Zambia’s agriculture sector. The company works with over 2,000 small-scale farmers in the Luapula Province, sourcing cassava and sorghum to craft high-quality beers. This partnership not only supports local livelihoods but also helps propel agriculture as a vital contributor to Zambia’s GDP.
“We help farmers harvest cassava to provide a high-quality and wide range of products for our consumers,” Cavinatto explained. Additionally, Zambian Breweries offers agricultural support such as improved seed varieties, fertilizers, and extension services to ensure the success of these farmers.
Expansion and Investment
In response to growing consumer demand, Zambian Breweries invested USD $100 million in its Lusaka brewery. The expansion, completed in 2023, increased production capacity with a new, efficient brewing line and safety improvements. This strategic move led to a 7% growth in volume in 2024, underscoring the company’s dedication to meeting market needs.
“We didn’t have a demand problem – we had a supply problem. We invested to ensure we could optimize production and guarantee sufficient supply,” Cavinatto stated.
Tackling Illicit Alcohol Consumption
A significant challenge facing the Zambian alcohol industry is the widespread consumption of illicit alcohol, which accounts for 70% of total alcohol consumption in the country. Zambian Breweries, in collaboration with the government, has made strides to combat this issue by offering high-quality products that meet rigorous brewing standards.
In September 2024, the company launched Eagle Extra, a new cassava-based beer with an alcohol content of 8%. The introduction of this product not only aims to provide consumers with a safe, quality beverage but also to strengthen the company’s market share in the affordable beer segment.
Sustainability Efforts: Water and Food Security
Zambian Breweries has also focused on sustainability efforts, particularly regarding water usage and food security. Since 2018, the company has partnered with WWF to improve water quality in the Kafue Basin, a key resource for beer production. Additionally, it has provided clean water to nearby communities, including those in Lusaka’s water-stressed George Compound.
Beyond water, Zambian Breweries has taken steps to address food security, particularly in Southern Zambia, which has experienced recent droughts. The company has collaborated with the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute to develop drought-resistant varieties of sorghum and is teaching local farmers how to manage these crops for better yields.
Navigating Economic Challenges
Despite facing significant challenges, such as droughts, power shortages, and the depreciation of the Zambian kwacha, Zambian Breweries remains resilient. Cavinatto highlighted the importance of having a dedicated team that adapts to these obstacles while staying focused on long-term growth and sustainability.
“We are consistently growing our products, increasing access to new points of sale, and updating our technology and systems to drive future sales,” Cavinatto concluded.
Looking forward, Zambian Breweries plans to accelerate its efforts to further improve operations, expand market reach, and implement innovative solutions to ensure continued success. “2024 was the year of change, and this year will be about making sure all the new changes and processes will give us the expected results,” Cavinatto said. “We’re on the right path and excited about what lies ahead.”
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