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Tiger Brands has invested ZAR 300 million (approx. $15.75 million) in a new peanut butter manufacturing facility for South Africa’s Black Cat brand. The new facility is located in Chamdor, Krugersdorp, on Johannesburg’s West Rand and marks one of the largest investments that Tiger Brands has made in a single project. The new site features advanced equipment to improve reliability and efficiencies, as well as packaging line upgrades that provide greater in-house flexibility for quicker innovations and product offerings in line with consumer demand for value and affordability. Black Cat Peanut Butter is one of the biggest in the market with 5 million kgs of Black Cat sold per year in retail stores. The South African peanut butter category accounts for 50% of the country’s total spreads market (excluding margarine), which is worth a total of ZAR 3.4 billion (approx. $178.56 million). Tjaart Kruger, CEO of Tiger Brands, said: “Consumers are looking for affordable and healthier food options. Peanut butter is an important staple in the South African diet, and we expect strong growth in this category. This new facility will introduce flexibility, improved efficiencies and reduce our cost profile, allowing us to retain our prominent position in the market and respond to consumer needs.” Dumo Mfini, managing director: culinary at Tiger Brands, added: “This is a significant investment by Tiger Brands which will further strengthen and grow a proudly homegrown brand. As consumers seek value for money, we are well positioned as one of the top players in the market to meet their needs of affordability and nutritional value with the added benefit of superior quality, attributes that Black Cat is known for."