Nestlé starts construction of new food manufacturing plant in Cuba

Global food and beverage company Nestlé and Corporación Alimentaria (Coralsa) have started construction of a new food production plant in the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) in Cuba.

The facility will be a joint venture (JV) between Nestlé and Coralsa.

Nestle will invest CHF54m ($54.8m) in the new plant, which will be engaged in the production of Nestlé Fitness cereal-based snacks, Maggi cooking aids, coffee brand Nescafé, Nesquik powdered beverage, and the local Cuban roast and ground coffee Serrano.

Nestlé Americas CEO Laurent Freixe said: “This new factory will help meet growing consumer demand and further strengthen our presence in Cuba.

“Local production capacity combined with Nestlé’s know-how will benefit the local food industry and create new chances for growth.”

The new facility will have an annual capacity to produce more than 18,500t in total for local consumption and exports, and will employ nearly 260 people by 2020.

It will be located in a 602,779ft² area, where manufacturing structures will occupy 139,930ft² space that is distributed in two floors.

Construction of the new plant is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with operations scheduled to start in the first trimester of 2020.

Nestle country manager for Cuba Harold Hoffmann said: “This production plant represents a great opportunity to develop new categories with high demand in Cuban market.

“We seek to offer products with nutritional value, in coherence with our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy, while expanding the business in the region.”