Food retailer drums up excitement as it opens its 9th Macro outlet on the Copperbelt

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Kitwe residents turned out in numbers to celebrate the opening of Zambeef Products’ latest Macro store, at Wusakile on Friday (July 27).

Zambeef deputy general manager Walter Roodt thanked the people of Kitwe for their support over the years and warm reception to the projects undertaken by the company.

“Investment in local economies remains a priority for Zambeef. One of the things that has set us apart is the relationship, built over the years, that exists between us and small- and medium-scale farmers in our quest to enhance sector efficiencies and growth. We provide support in terms of creating linkages to markets for farmers as well providing a ready market for their produce and not just within the country but beyond, through our butcheries and through exports,” said Mr Roodt.

Area Member of Parliament for Wusakile Constituency Hon. Pavyuma Kalobo officiated at the opening and expressed his delight at seeing a home-grown company making significant economic contributions and reinvesting in its operations across the country for further growth.

“Transformational investment and innovative enterprise is what will drive Zambia’s economy to greater heights, and Zambeef has been one of the examples of local investment done right. An important fact to note, and one we should be very proud of, is that every single one of the chickens, beef, pork or dairy products that sit on Zambeef’s shelf are supplied by our very own Zambian farmers. So when we are buying from Zambeef, we are also supporting our own people, our own industries and our own economy because the money is put back in the form of salaries, payment to the farmers, taxes and so on,” said Mr Kalobo.

“This is the type of investment that, as government, we are happy to see taking place in our communities. This is because we are working and moving and towards an advanced economy and the services and product offerings across the country must aim to reflect international standards,” he added.

Zambeef’s macro outlets reflect the customer’s need for a convenient, secure and world-class shopping environment; meant to provide an enhanced customer experience arising from improved service and a wider choice of affordable products.

Zambeef fairly recently commissioned a multi-million dollar hatchery and stockfeed mill at its Mpongwe Farm, also on the Copperbelt, and the largest agricultural investment in the province.

Kitwe is further set to become one of the main distribution hubs for the Copperbelt Province Zambeef operations with the completion of its Kitwe Processing plant on Government Road in Chimwemwe around the corner. The facility will feature world-class processing and cold storage enabling the company to provide even fresher cold chain products and in a highly efficient manner.

Mr Roodt revealed that the company’s expansion programme across the country was just unfolding, and told people to expect more exciting developments over the coming months.

Zambeef remains committed to working with stakeholders, in line with government efforts, in ensuring food security in the country and making agriculture the number one economic activity.

The company has so far opened 25 macro outlets across the country, including the Wusakile Macro, with more projects planned to cater for the growing consumer demand for its products.

Customers in surrounding areas can look forward to quality and affordable products and services in a world-class environment with the outlet providing a convenient one-stop shop for a wide range of Zambeef products, secure parking, and an enhanced ambience and in-store experience with state-of-the-art equipment, more tills and cashless payment options.

Zambeef also continues to link farmers to consumer markets across Zambia through its retail network comprising 205 outlets – both own-brand and within Shoprite supermarkets. They further stand to benefit from the presence of a Novatek outlet for ordering livestock feed and Zamhatch day-old chicks, of which more than half is sold to small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs who then serve the traditional live-bird market, which still accounts for 75 percent of poultry market share.

Area Member of Parliament for Wusakile Constituency Hon. Pavyuma Kalobo (second right) and Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kangombe (second left) officially open Zambeef’s new Wusakile macro, with Zambeef deputy general manager Walter Roodt and dignitaries.

Residents turn out in numbers to celebrate the opening of Zambeef’s new Wusakile macro

About Zambeef Products Plc
Zambeef Products Plc is the largest integrated cold chain food products and agribusiness company in Zambia and one of the largest in the region, involved in the primary production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, milk, eggs, dairy products, fish, flour and stockfeed, throughout Zambia and the surrounding region, as well as Nigeria and Ghana.

The Group is also one of the largest cereal row cropping operations in Zambia, with approximately 7,787 hectares of row crops under irrigation which are planted twice a year, and a further 8,694 hectares of rainfed/dry-land crops available for planting each year.

The company slaughters around 78,000 beef cattle, 7.3 million chickens and 60,000 pigs per annum, while also processing 19 million litres of milk, producing 154,000 tons of stockfeed, 69 million eggs, 68,000 pairs of shoes and processes 100,000 hides in its tannery per year.

It has 195 retail outlets throughout Zambia and West Africa.

Zambeef employs over 7,000 people with a total of K357 million paid in remuneration and benefits in the last year.

More information is available at www.zambeefplc.com