Coca-Cola launches $31.5m production line in Egypt – Cabinet

Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir witnessed on Tuesday the launch of a new $31.5 million production line at Coca-Cola HBC’s Sadat City factory. The launch event was attended by Greek Ambassador to Egypt, Nikolaos Papageorgiou and Coca-Cola HBC CEO Zoran Bogdanovic.

The inaugurated state-of-the-art production line is the fastest and most advanced in the Middle East and within Coca-Cola HBC’s global network. It produces Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Schweppes cans at a remarkable peak speed of 120,000 cans per hour, with an annual production capacity of 172 million litres. Additionally, the new line boasts a 95 per cent local component ratio.

Minister El-Wazir highlighted Egypt’s Industry and Trade Development Strategy (2024–2030), which focuses on localising production, boosting exports, and transitioning to a green economy. He encouraged Coca-Cola HBC to expand its production capacity, increase exports, and collaborate on workforce development initiatives, including the potential establishment of a Coca-Cola HBC technological school in Egypt.

Bogdanovic praised Egypt’s investment-friendly environment and emphasised that the Sadat City factory is one of Coca-Cola HBC’s largest worldwide. The factory operates partly on solar energy and has created 300 jobs. He also announced the opening of a new digital service centre in Egypt, which will serve 27 international markets and create 450 additional jobs.

Minister El-Wazir reaffirmed the Ministry of Industry’s commitment to supporting struggling factories through various initiatives, including a recently launched scheme to provide 15 per cent private sector financing for purchasing production lines. He also revealed plans to soon announce a new initiative to support exporting companies and enhance Egypt’s export capabilities.

The minister stressed that increasing export revenues to match local market consumption will help reduce the dollar gap and strengthen Egypt’s economy.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser