National Foods invests US$8,6 million in Bulawayo

National Foods Group has invested US$8,6 million in upgrading its Bulawayo plants as part of a wider modernisation and expansion programme, with the agro-processing giant now positioning itself to enter the regional export market within the next few years.

Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Mike Lashbrook said the investment was part of a broader capital expenditure drive aimed at boosting production efficiency, promoting value addition, and enhancing Zimbabwe's food security.

The company last year commissioned a US$6,5 million state-of-the-art Buhler wheat milling plant in Bulawayo — a two-year project completed and launched on July 1, 2023. The new mill increased capacity from 240 tonnes to 300 tonnes per day, representing a 25 percent rise in output.

Speaking after a tour of the facility by Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga on Friday, Mr Lashbrook said National Foods was consolidating its domestic market while laying the groundwork for regional exports.

"During our discussions with Vice-President Chiwenga, he challenged us to venture into the export market," said Mr Lashbrook.
"Over the last five years, we have invested a huge amount in new products such as cereals and pasta. The capex expenditure is around US$50 million, mainly from our own resources and a bit of debt. These products have moved up the value chain, and with local agriculture improving and becoming more efficient, we foresee the ability to export pasta and biscuits in the coming years."

He said while the immediate focus was on meeting domestic demand, National Foods anticipated opening new regional markets soon.

"At the moment, because these are new products, we are focusing on the local market, but we hope that in the next few years, we will be ready to export. It will open up new markets," he said.

In addition to the milling plant, the company has invested US$2,1 million in packaging and handling facilities, bringing the total Bulawayo investment to US$8,6 million.

Mr Lashbrook said the investment had enabled the firm to produce high-quality flour and flour-based products while maintaining world-class standards.

"This has ensured we continue to compete globally while supporting local business development and driving the revival of the milling industry in Bulawayo," he noted.

A major highlight of the project, he added, was that production was maintained throughout the installation process — a first for a project of such magnitude in Zimbabwe.

Since 2022, National Foods has invested about US$30 million in new high-technology plants, replacing its 72-year-old mills and boosting total production by more than 2 000 tonnes across Bulawayo and Harare operations.

"This increased production capacity ensures that Zimbabwe can meet domestic flour demand, strengthening food security and promoting national self-sufficiency in line with Government's vision," Mr Lashbrook said.
"The investment also reduces the need for flour imports, saving the nation valuable foreign currency."

He said the new mill incorporates modern energy-efficient systems, enhanced hygiene standards, and advanced operational technologies that reduce environmental impact and align with the company's sustainability agenda.

"Most importantly, the new mill enables National Foods to continue supporting local agriculture by purchasing wheat from farmers in the southern region," he added.

From the 2025 winter crop, National Foods has contracted a record 80 000 metric tonnes of locally produced wheat, following a bumper harvest. Mr Lashbrook said this underscores the company's commitment to Zimbabwean farmers, improved livelihoods, and economic empowerment.