30 Jul 2023 Nestlé reacts to SA’s growing coffee market

Nestlé SA has commissioned a R79-million Nescafé coffee mixes plant at its Hammanskraal factory, opening the new facility near Pretoria on July 18, coinciding with Mandela Day.

The high-speed plant, with a capacity of 2 500 tons of coffee mixes per annum, will produce Nescafé coffee mixes: namely the Nescafé Gold range, which includes Cappuccino Original, Cappuccino Original Reduced Sugar, Cappuccino Salted Caramel Latte, Cappuccino Vanilla Latte, Cappuccino Hazelnut Latte, and Cappuccino White Chocolate; and Nescafé Ricoffy 3in1

Nestlé says this investment ‘demonstrates its strong commitment to the region, powering positive economic impact’, as well as abetting its aim to save costs via local sourcing. Previously, Nestlé’s coffee mixes in South Africa were imported from its overseas factories.

The plant has created 27 new roles in engineering and production.

“This opportunity has helped 19 men and 8 women, 67% of whom are from the Hammankraal area, gain employment,” says Nestlé. “Of the 27 employees, 24 are employed in production and 3 are based in engineering. Notably, this initiative was led by an all-women start-up team, aligning with Nestlé’s objectives of promoting job creation, fostering diversity.”

It’s state-of-the-art mixing, filling and packing technology is imported from Europe but some parts have been manufactured locally.  Around 46% of ingredients used at the factory are sourced locally,

The Babalegi campus is the source of several other Nestlé products ie Milo and Cheerios breakfast cereals, Maggi noodles, and Cremora creamer.

Source: Reuters, News24