Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. NATIONAL Foods Holdings Limited (Natfoods) says its US$8,6 million investment into a wheat mill in Bulawayo is expected to see Zimbabwe meet its domestic flour demand.
Recently, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga toured the company’s Bulawayo plant, where the consumer staples concern revealed it had invested US$6,5 million towards installation of the plant and US$2,1 million in finished product packing and handling facilities.
These investments come as local wheat production has increased by 538% to 600 045 metric tonnes (mt) this year, from 94 000MT in 2019, according to the Treasury, surpassing national demand.
“This increased production capacity ensures that Zimbabwe can meet domestic flour demand, strengthening food security and promoting national self-sufficiency in line with the government’s vision. The investment also reduces the need for flour imports, saving the nation valuable foreign currency,” Natfoods said.
“The new mill has modern energy-efficient technology with enhanced operational efficiency and improved hygiene standards, while continuing to deliver affordable, high-quality flour to our customers. These upgrades not only lower the plant’s environmental footprint, but also contribute to National Foods’ broader sustainability goals.”
Natfoods said the new mill enables the company “to continue supporting local agriculture by purchasing wheat from farmers in the southern region”.
“From the 2025 winter crop, National Foods has contracted a record 80 000mt of locally-produced wheat from a record harvest, underscoring the company’s commitment to Zimbabwean farmers, improved livelihoods for employees, and their families, contributing to poverty reduction and economic empowerment.”
The company said the investment was instrumental in value chain job creation and the empowerment of local bakeries.
“The investment enabled us as leaders in the milling industry to produce high-quality flour and flour-based products, particularly the premium bread that defines the Zimbabwean market, ensuring we continue to compete at world-class standard, while supporting local business development and driving the revival of the milling industry in Bulawayo,” the consumer staples concern said.
Over the past few years, National Foods has invested over US$40 million in expanding its production capabilities across its pasta, cereal and biscuit plants.
“The key decision National Foods has taken over the last three years is our decision to broaden our product offering by investing up the value chain. This has resulted in the establishment of our pasta, cereals and biscuit plants,” chief executive officer Michael Lashbrook told our sister paper, Zimbabwe Independent, in July.
“All of these investments see National Foods moving up the value chain from our previous portfolio of basic commodities. In addition, each of the projects sees increased value addition of locally grown cereals and the substitution of previously imported products with locally manufactured products.”
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