A new US$5 million milk processing plant has been unveiled in the industrial complex of Kikuxi located in Luanda, as a joint venture between the Angolan beverage manufacturer Refriango and the Spanish dairy group, Pascual.
Reportedly, the unit will be called “Lacto RP” and is anticipated to have a processing capacity of 20,000 litres of milk per hour.
The construction of the plant aligns with the increasing demand for dairy products in the country which is resulting in the gradual growth of the Angolan dairy sector.
This is attracting interest from foreign investors who are partnering with local producers to increase local production as in the case of Lacto PR.
The inauguration ceremony was led by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Victor Fernandes, who announced that the factory will initially process 5 million litres of milk per year.
This amount will be used to produce powdered milk and ultra-high temperature treated (UHT) milk to supply the local market as well as other countries that are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Tomás Meléndez, Director of Pascual’s International Area said, “Our presence in Angola for over 25 years, with our yoghurts, has exceeded our own expectations. We are already leaders in this segment and we are determined to be the reference in dairy products and to continue to open new lines of business.”
The Spanish brand has particular popularity among Angolan children and teenagers and through this partnership with Refriango, they intend to strengthen their position and promote dairy self-sufficiency in the country.
“We want to contribute not only to the development of Angola but also to its social development. Our ambition is for the country to be able to self-supply without relying on imports, with nutritious products of the highest quality, while generating employment throughout the region.”
