Published: 20 hours ago

Following the commissioning of three new production plants by President Mnangagwa in Harare in May last year, National Foods Holdings Limited chief executive officer, Mike Lashbrook, says the company is recording strong aggregate volume growth driven by expanded production capacity. The development has positioned the business to substitute imports while increasingly shifting its focus towards export markets.

President Mnangagwa commissioned the new Pasta, Biscuit and Cereal plants as part of a combined US$22,7 million investment, a move that marked a significant step in strengthening National Foods' product range and advancing the company up the value chain in food manufacturing.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 in Bulawayo, Lashbrook praised improved Government support under the Second Republic and said the company remains aligned with Vision 2030 goals of industrialisation, food security and job creation.

He said aggregate volumes have grown by about 30–35% over the past five years, supported by improving consumer spending power and a more stable operating environment.

Lashbrook highlighted that the newly expanded production lines are now operating close to or at full capacity, particularly pasta and biscuit manufacturing, which are helping reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic food security.

He noted that products such as spaghetti and breakfast cereals were previously largely imported, but are now increasingly produced locally, reducing exposure to global supply disruptions and geopolitical shocks.

The company is also investing heavily in local agriculture through contract farming, sourcing wheat, maize and soya beans to support its value-addition strategy. Lashbrook said this approach strengthens rural livelihoods while improving industrial supply chains.

He added that National Foods is now exploring regional export opportunities once local demand is fully met, leveraging higher-margin value-added products.

With winter wheat planting underway and expectations of a strong maize season, the company says it is optimistic about sustained growth in both agricultural output and manufacturing volumes, reinforcing its long-term expansion strategy.
- The Herald

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