© Mike Mozart
Saudi Arabia-based soft drinks distributor Aujan Coca Cola Beverages has announced plans to invest $500m over the next three years in improving its position within the region’s drinks industry.
The investment will lead to increased capacity, stronger brand development and a greater geographical coverage for the company, which makes and distributes the Rani and Barbican brands of drink in the Middle East.
It follows year-on-year volume growth of more than 10% and the January 2014 acquisition of a majority stake in National Beverage, which produces and distributes Coca-Cola in Lebanon. It is now targeting expansion into new African and Middle Eastern markets.
Aujan chief executive Nicolaas Nusmeier said: “Despite political and economic disruption over the past few years, the regional beverage market has continued to grow, and we expect this to continue.
“An increasingly youthful population across Mena, together with opportunities for new categories and fresh consumer-focused innovations, mean significant growth prospects.”
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