THE Coega Development Corporation welcomed San Miguel Global’s newest processing plant to the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on 23 July. Situated in the Zone 3 General Manufacturing Cluster of the SEZ, the plant will focus on lemon processing and extraction for various end products.
With an investment value of approximately R490 million, the Gqeberha plant aims to achieve 100,000 tons of lemon grinding annually by 2030 with its local partner African Pioneer Group. These natural ingredients will then be distributed to more than 200 customers in over 50 countries. In terms of its socioeconomic impact, the facility directly employs 120 people and is expected to create 250 indirect jobs in the local community.
Coega’s senior business development manager, Johan Fourie, explains that the Eastern Cape’s citrus industry boasts significant potential for growth that would have a cascading impact on the socioeconomic development of the region.
“The Eastern Cape citrus industry has the potential to diversify the economy and create many jobs. Existing export channels and a strong reputation create a solid foundation for further growth,” says Fourie.
The Eastern Cape is the second-largest citrus producer in South Africa, which is the world’s second-largest exporter of citrus fruit. Supported by well-established infrastructure and expertise, the Eastern Cape region contributes significantly to the success of the industry.
Chief executive officer of San Miguel Global, Pablo Pla, explains that the facility forms part of San Miguel Global’s Strategic Redirection Process. With lemon processing facilities in Argentina, Uruguay and now South Africa, San Miguel has reinforced its position as a multi-national leader in agro-processing.
“The facility marks a significant milestone in San Miguel’s history. Our new industrial lemon processing plant in Coega is designed to produce high-quality natural ingredients such as lemon essential oil, concentrated juice, and peel for industrial and animal feed use.
“This project not only strengthens our position as the world’s top processor, but also reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainable development,” says Pla.
The arrival of the San Miguel facility in the Coega SEZ signifies a significant step forward for the region’s expanding agro-processing sector. It joins a consortium of established industry players, solidifying the Coega SEZ as a sector hub.
