From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer Tiger Brands last month unveiled its upgraded jam, vinegar and chutney production site in Paarl, in the Western Cape, having invested R200-million on new manufacturing capabilities at three distinct production plants. Marleny Arnoldi visited the site.

Marleny Arnoldi:

Upgrades at the culinary megasite are already delivering meaningful improvements in Tiger Brands’ supply security, cost efficiency and product quality.

Tiger Brands is modernising its manufacturing network to create a more efficient, resilient and competitive business, which bodes well for long-term growth.

Notably, upgrades to its manufacturing plants help the company to improve value and affordability for its South African consumers, who rely on household brands such as All Gold and Mrs Balls every day.

Tiger Brands culinary MD Dumo Mfini explains what the upgrades at the Paarl site entailed.

Tiger Brands culinary MD Dumo Mfini...

Marleny Arnoldi:

As with all its other culinary production sites, Tiger Brands sources agricultural products from local growers and strives to be involved in the entire value chain for all its brands, including working with farmers and retailers to ensure product quality and availability.

Mfini elaborates.

Tiger Brands culinary MD Dumo Mfini...

Marleny Arnoldi:

Tiger Brands spends about R1.5-billion a year on capital investment and expansion projects across the country, which are aimed at strengthening the group’s manufacturing base and ensuring more competitive and cost efficient manufacturing.

One notable capital investment project is the Boksburg Culinary Hub, which will soon house a new vinegar plant and a dedicated research and development pilot plant for product development and where recipes and ideas can be tested without disrupting active production lines.

Mfini explains some of the company’s plans to make products more affordable.

Tiger Brands culinary MD Dumo Mfini...

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.