Published: 19 May 2026

LISTED dairy processor Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited (DZL) says sustained economic resilience and improving business confidence significantly boosted its first-quarter performance, with sales volumes surging by 26% during the period ended March 31, 2026.

In a trading update, company secretary Maurice Karimupfumbi said stable conditions across key productive sectors, supported by fiscal and monetary policy measures, helped create a more favourable operating environment for businesses.

"The first quarter was characterised by sustained economic resilience and improving business confidence, underpinned by stable output across key productive sectors. Fiscal and monetary policy measures contributed to the stabilisation of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG), resulting in a comparatively low-inflation environment versus the prior year period," he said.

The group recorded double-digit growth across all major product categories during the quarter, driven by increased production capacity and strong domestic demand.

Liquid milk volumes rose 15% following the commissioning of the Chipinge Steri Plant in December 2025, while investments made in the fourth quarter of last year in bottled Cascade and Pfuko Maheu production lines helped drive a 29% increase in the beverages category.

The foods segment posted a 31% growth, largely supported by strong demand for yoghurt products.

Karimupfumbi said the performance reflects the company's continued focus on expanding production capacity and strengthening its route-to-market strategy.

Beverages remained the group's dominant product category, accounting for 67% of the sales mix, followed by liquid milks at 24% and foods at 9%.

However, export volumes declined by 40% compared to the same period last year as the company prioritised meeting rising local demand.

Revenue for the quarter increased by 26% to US$39.40 million compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Despite prevailing economic headwinds, DZL says it expects growth momentum to continue into the second quarter, supported by improved product availability following recent capacity expansion initiatives across key brands.
- online

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