Olam Mozambique
Olam to build Mozambique's first roller cotton gin Olam International, a leading global integrated supply chain manager and processor of agricultural products and food ingredients, has started construction of its first state- of-the-art roller cotton gin in Mozambique. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Eleanor Watson This is an exciting time for Olam Moçambique, which plans to make large investments over the next four years. Indeed, last month, Olam International, of which Olam Moçambique is a subsidiary, started construction of its first state-of-theart roller cotton gin in the country. The $2 million development signifies Olam's "continued progress in increasing local cotton production and strengthens supply chain efficiencies by investing in processing operations that are close to smallholder cotton farmers," it said in a release. " Since Olam started sourcing cotton in Mozambique in 2008 we have worked closely with farmers, local government and independent partners to increase yields and improve production methods," Indranil Majumdar, Business Head Natural Fibres, Olam Moçambique, said at an official ceremony at the site in Beira, Sofala Province. "To date, our volumes have risen fourfold and we are now able to progress existing plans to develop our third cotton gin in Mozambique. The roller gin will be the first of its kind here and will complement our saw gins to provide the additional capacity required to support future growth. This is an important milestone for Olam Moçambique and will contribute to the local economy through job creation and market growth." Once completed, the new facility - equipped with high speed rollers and modern…
Oak Valley Estate
Farmworker spring Oak Valley Estate's Anthony Rawbone-Viljoen talks diversification, award-winning wines and the farmworkers strike. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Eddie Clinton Anthony Rawbone- Viljoen's Oak Valley Estate in South Africa's Elgin wine production Ward measures 1786 hectares and he has been farming the property his greatgrandfather founded in 1898 since 1973, helping to create a dynamic business, producing top-class award winning wines, cut flowers, grassfed beef, free-range corn-feed, pork and fruits. His first wine in the modern era was produced on the estate in 2003, when winemaker Pieter Visser created the maiden Oak Valley sauvignon blanc. It was an instant success. "We have made great strides in the market since and we now produce seven wines," says Rawbone-Viljoen. The Oak Valley range of wines includes a sauvignon blanc, a chardonnay, a sauvignon/semillon blend (The OV), a pinot noir and a shiraz. "The cool climate of the Elgin region, meticulous vineyard management and a very special respect for the indigenous flora and fauna combine to create wines with finesse and elegance. The Elgin Ward is considered to be one of the most distinctively cool areas in South Africa and this is reflected in the styles of wine produced here. The flavours of our wines are characterised by mineral undertones, complimented by fresh acidity, giving an elegance that has its origins in the cool terroir of the valley." There is more to Oak Valley than wine. It is also one of the largest deciduous fruit production units in South Africa. "We've an extensive fruit business," says Rawbone-Viljoen.…
East Africa Bottling Share Company
The East Africa Bottling Share Company (EABSC) plans to invest $500 million in the East African nation as it plans expand its capacity further with the aim of meeting increasing demand within the soft drink industry
KFC Nigeria
KFC spreads its wings Yum! Restaurants International continues to expand KFC's African footprint. Africa Outlook talks to Bruce Layzell, KFC General Manager New African Markets, about the firm's growth across the continent and particularly in Nigeria. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Eleanor Watson Africa is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing regions globally and an increasingly attractive investment option, with the latest McKinsey Report suggesting consumer-facing industries in Africa are expected to grow by more than $400 billion by 2020. The Economist Intelligence Unit meanwhile predicts that by 2030' Africa's top 18 cities could have a combined spending power of $1.3 trillion. The short-term outlook for the region remains broadly positive, and growth is projected at 5.25 percent a year in 2012–13. One of the main drivers is the increasing pace of urbanisation and consumerisation. "Africa is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing regions globally and KFC is fully committed to harnessing this opportunity and building a sustainable business model on the continent," says Bruce Layzell, KFC General Manager New African Markets. By the end of 2012, KFC had 63 new African restaurants, with operations in Angola, Nigeria, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia. The 63 figure excludes South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and Mauritius, which if included, would mean there are almost 900 KFC restaurants on the continent. KFC has plans to extend its reach to Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Uganda in 2013, with much longer-term growth plans to establish itself in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Senegal. "In Nigeria, our…
