Delta Corporation, Zimbabwe’s largest beverage manufacturer, has launched construction of a new brewhouse at its historic Belmont plant in Bulawayo,a $35 million investment aimed at reviving the city’s industrial base and strengthening the company’s production capacity.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on October 16, Delta Corporation Board Chairman Mr. Todd Moyo said the development marks both a tribute to the company’s legacy and a renewed commitment to Bulawayo’s economic future.
“This project reconnects with our history and heritage,” Moyo said. “What we are witnessing today is both a tribute to our legacy and an investment in our future.”
The Belmont brewery site dates back to 1950, when Sable Brewery first opened its doors, later merging with Rhobrew in 1952 to form Delta Beverages.
The new brewhouse will expand capacity to 1.5 million hectolitres per year, with construction costs estimated at $17 million for packaging equipment and an additional $18 million for auxiliary upgrades.
Moyo emphasised that the project is about more than boosting beer production.
“It is about jobs, skills, and growth,” he said. “It will create employment during construction and open opportunities for local contractors, engineers, artisans, and suppliers, especially from Bulawayo and the surrounding communities.”
Delta’s investment in Bulawayo follows a broader modernisation program across Zimbabwe, including new returnable glass packaging lines in Harare, a PET soft drink line at Graniteside, and additional fermentation capacity at its Southerton brewery.
The company invests between $40 million and $50 million annually to maintain its market leadership and ensure product quality.
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative will enhance Delta’s contribution to the economy.
The brewer pays an average of $18 million to $20 million monthly in taxes, including excise duty, VAT, and sugar tax, according to Moyo.
He also urged collaboration between industry and government to ensure consistent water and electricity supply.
“We call upon the Bulawayo City Council and ZESA to continue prioritizing industrial zones and water security for the city’s sustainable growth,” he said, highlighting Delta’s role in recent infrastructure projects such as resurfacing roads and expanding water pipelines.
“As we break this ground today,” Moyo said, “we are laying a foundation for another 70 years of innovation, growth, and excellence. Let this brewhouse stand as a monument to industrial rebirth, national pride, and the enduring spirit of the City of Kings.”
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