Bidco Launches Sh267m Juice Plant In Partnership With Danish Firm

Bidco Africa Group has launched a $2.5 million (Sh267 million) juice processing plant in Ruiru, Kiambu through a partnership with Danish firm Co-Ro food for non-carbonated soft drinks, citing high demand for juice products in the market.

Bidco, a Consumer goods manufacturer, said the partnership will trade under BidCoro to produce Sunquick brand targeting both local and export markets.

Speaking to the Business Daily during the launch, which was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, trade and Enterprise Development Ms. Betty Maina, BidCoro chief operating officer Mads Burmester said launch that they raised the capital injected through a mix of borrowing and internal cash reserves.

“We have teamed up with Bidco Africa Group to set up BidCoro, which is a 50-50 joint venture to produce a concentrated drink called Sunquick,” he said adding that joint venture is “targeting both local and export markets where 90 percent of this product will go. We have invested $2.5 million in capital to this product largely from borrowing and internal cash.”

Mr. Burmester noted that their largest markets for the product areMauritius, Qatar, Portugal and Denmark. He added that the joint venture would ill be looking for a larger piece of the African market.

Bidco Africa Group Chairman Vimal Shah said the consumer markets have gradually changed locally and there is a need for product diversification to tap on other markets outside Kenya.

“There is a huge demand for the juice markets in the region given the changing consumer habits. We are glad that the government has created an enabling business environment for the private sector to grow and thrive,” he said.

He added that the new plant will add another 100 jobs opportunities.

While giving her speech Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, trade and Enterprise Development Ms. Betty Maina said, “We want to see more exports and fewer imports from the local manufacturers given the government has created a conducive environment for the private sector to grow and thrive so that they can create opportunities.”