By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
BEITBRIDGE – Beitbridge Juicing Company, a subsidiary of Schweppes Holdings Limited, is projecting a steady rise in citrus volumes this year and significant growth in the long term, thanks to strong export prices and the expansion of orchards in the region.
Speaking during a provincial media tour, Ropafadzo Gwanetsa, the company’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Data Governance, said the 2025 harvest season is already showing promise compared to last year.
“Halfway through the season, we are anticipating a volume growth versus prior year,” Gwanetsa said.
“The export market is giving a very good price, so we are on the right path. New orchards are coming up, but citrus trees take three to four years to mature, so the real jump in volumes will come in the 2028–2029 season.”
She added that last year’s drought affected many new farmers, but with this year’s good rains, volumes from these growers could rise by 2,000 tonnes in 2026. Beitbridge Juicing Company projects processing 10,000 tonnes by 2029.
At peak season, the plant employs about 150 workers, 80% from the local community. Gwanetsa noted that beyond jobs, the growing citrus sector is spurring economic activity in Beitbridge from new schools and infrastructure to opportunities for value addition such as juice concentrate production.
“Proximity to the border allows us to export efficiently,” she said.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area opens up opportunities to innovate and supply locally made products across the region. The future is orange thanks to the orange press.”
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr. Nick Mangwana, said the operation demonstrates the government’s policy of rural industrialisation.
“We are right in the middle of rural Beitbridge, yet jobs and industry are being created here,” Mangwana said.
“Bringing the factory close to the producer saves costs and stimulates farming. Six major farmers are already supplying this plant, and their growth is being catalysed by its presence.”
Mangwana noted that the location saves suppliers about four cents per kilogram in transport costs compared to sending produce further north. He also highlighted the knock-on benefits: during peak harvest, local farms employ over 500 seasonal workers and 300 permanent staff, while the juicing plant itself supports 150 families directly.
The visit also showcased new large-scale citrus developments in the district, including an 800-hectare orchard, underscoring Beitbridge’s emergence as a major citrus hub.
Mangwana said recent infrastructure investments including new factories, housing developments, and water projects are turning Beitbridge into “a massive economic hub” and a model for decentralising industry and services.