By HealthTimes Reporter
Nestlé Zimbabwe has ramped up production of its flagship wholegrain breakfast cereal, CEREVITA, as part of a US$7 million investment into local manufacturing. The move promises to enhance national nutrition, improve food security, and reinforce Zimbabwe’s growing reputation as a regional cereal hub.
Driven by Nestlé’s global purpose to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life, the investment is already bearing fruit. The increased availability of CEREVITA across Zimbabwe is not just meeting growing consumer demand but also promoting healthier eating habits through a homegrown product rooted in taste, nutrition, and community impact.
A trusted staple on Zimbabwean breakfast tables for decades, CEREVITA is cherished for its distinctive toasted flavour and aroma. This signature taste comes from gently toasting wholegrain cereals before processing them into golden, nourishing flakes. More than just a breakfast treat, CEREVITA is made using whole grains that retain the bran, germ, and endosperm, making it naturally rich in fibre, essential fats, antioxidants, magnesium, and energy-giving carbohydrates.
Made using whole grains that retain the bran, germ, and endosperm, it is naturally rich in fibre, essential fats, antioxidants, magnesium, and carbohydrates, making it ideal for nourishing the whole family,” said Khaled Ramadan, Managing Director for Nestlé’s East Africa and Greater Zambezi operations.
The cereal is also fortified with GRAINSMART, a proprietary blend of iron, vitamins, and minerals that support the body’s natural energy release. This makes CEREVITA a smart, nutrient-dense breakfast choice that supports the vitality of children, working adults, and older people alike.
In Zimbabwe, CEREVITA is available in five flavour variants: corn and wheat, corn and banana, corn, cocoa and malt, Flakes with milk, and corn and sorghum. The product comes in two convenient pack sizes, the 500g sachet and the 750g bag-in-box, offering options for every household.
“This investment is not just about production infrastructure. It is about long-term nourishment, empowerment, and pride in a product that reflects our local taste, our local grain, and our local spirit,” said Nicole Roos, Managing Director and Chairperson of Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region.
The introduction of a new Roller Drier 4 at the Harare plant has increased production capacity by over 35 percent. This has significantly improved product availability while maintaining Nestlé’s globally recognised standards for safety, quality, and consistency.
But Nestlé’s vision goes beyond the factory floor. Through its Virtuous Circle model, the company is deepening its commitment to inclusive local sourcing and rural development. Nestlé is currently working with over 350 Zimbabwean suppliers, including 18 local farmers. The company also employs 149 full-time workers, 268 casual staff, and supports eight graduate trainees annually, building both human capital and food system resilience.
Nestlé’s expanded investment aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, particularly in advancing sustainable industrial practices. Key areas of focus include energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction, practices that enhance environmental sustainability while ensuring consistent, high-quality food production for local and export markets.
CEREVITA’s reach now extends beyond Zimbabwean borders into regional markets such as Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. This growing export footprint is positioning Zimbabwe not just as a consumer market but as a regional production powerhouse for nutritious breakfast cereals.
