Aujan cola maker to invest $500m in regional expansion

Aujan said it plans to invest in capacity expansion, a greater geographical coverage for its drinks and in brand development.

Saudi Arabia’s Aujan Coca Cola Beverages, which makes and distributes Rani and Barbican drinks in the Middle East, plans to invest US$500 million over the next three yeas in the regional beverage industry, the firm said yesterday.

Aujan, which is participating in this week’s Gulfood show in Dubai, said it plans to invest in capacity expansion, a greater geographical coverage for its drinks and in brand development, the firm said yesterday.

“Despite political and economic disruption over the past few years, the regional beverage market has continued to grow, and we expect this to continue,” said Nicolaas Nusmeier, the Aujan chief executive.

He said: “An increasingly youthful population across Mena, together with opportunities for new categories and fresh consumer-focused innovations, mean significant growth prospects.”

The company’s volume last year grew by double digits, and it completed the acquisition of a majority stake in National Beverage, the manufacturer and distributor of Coca-Cola, Pampa and several other brands in Lebanon. The company is investing in a factory in Egypt to supply the country and expand into other African markets.

In 2012, Coca-Cola bought a 50 per cent stake in Aujan’s beverage business for $980m.

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