Bidco Africa has ventured into the soft drinks market with the launching of a new juice product dubbed Suntop juices. This product was launched yesterday in conjunction with CO-RO, a provider of fruit juices base in Denmark.
The launch was made through a joint venture named as BIDCORO. Four new varieties of Suntop juices were launched. They included Orange, Mango, Berries and Blackcurrant flavours that in are packed 1 litre, 250 milliliter and 125 milliliter packs.
“We have developed our range for different occasions, so we have a small portion pack for on the go, a larger portion pack for those that are a little thirstier and then a family pack for at home,” said Dave Alford, the Chief Operating Officer of BIDCORO.
The Suntop juice, contains natural fruit juice, is enriched with vitamin C and contains no preservatives, artificial colors, flavoring or sweeteners.
Bidco Africa Chairman Vimal Shah said the partnership will create the region’s largest producer of fruit based soft drinks and other refreshments.
“Both parties bring world-class capabilities and a history of success to the partnership – BIDCO with their great knowledge of and insight into the Kenyan consumer, and our fantastic sales and distribution network, and CORO with their brand building history and expertise, particularly in the MENA region,” he said.
BIDCORO plans to produce over 8 million litres of Suntop in its first full year and is targeting both the Kenyan and regional markets. “Our plans are ambitious and we hope to be able to supply not only Kenya but its neighbouring countries from our new factory,” said Dave.
The company has already recruited 50 employees and is looking at employing more as its production numbers grow.
The launch of BIDCORO is part of Bidco’s expansion plans that will see the company enter new product categories as it seeks to grow its annual turnover to over USD 1 billion.
The plan will see three new factories commissioned this year at the new Bidco Industrial Park in Ruiru as part of the first phase of development, with the second phase comprising an additional six new factories set to be built over the next four years.