US$30 Million Fruit Juice Plant Boosts Jobs and Rural Industrialisation in Beitbridge

A newly established US$30 million fruit juice processing plant in Beitbridge has officially begun operations, creating over 300 jobs and marking a major step forward in Zimbabwe’s rural industrialisation and value-addition drive.

The Orange Ville Fruit Processing Plant, which became operational in July 2025, currently operates at partial capacity but is already handling 500 to 600 tonnes of citrus fruit daily, according to Brandon Park, a representative of Orange Ville Trading (Pvt) Ltd.

“Our operations started in early July, and so far, we’ve processed around 25,000 tonnes of oranges and 5,000 tonnes of grapefruit. The plant’s full capacity is 1,400 tonnes per day, which we expect to reach within the next decade as our orchards mature,” said Park.

Once operating at full scale, the plant is projected to employ more than 3,000 people, providing significant economic benefits to Matabeleland South Province and surrounding rural communities.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe, praised the investment, saying it aligns with the Second Republic’s vision of empowering rural communities through industrial growth.

“This development demonstrates the government’s commitment to rural industrialisation and job creation. It has opened new opportunities for our people here in Beitbridge,” said Nguluvhe.

Nearby Nottingham Estates, which supplies fruit to the plant, has also become a model for integrated rural development — combining commercial agriculture, eco-tourism, and renewable energy projects.

Managing Director Andrew Nott revealed that the estate currently farms 960 hectares, with 650 hectares already bearing fruit, and plans to expand to 1,500 hectares next year.

During a tour of the facility, Vice President (Rtd) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga commended the progress and pledged government support for the Zhovhe–Beitbridge canal project, which will enhance irrigation and sustain citrus farming in the region.

“This is exactly the kind of rural industrialisation we envision. The government will move swiftly to complete the 63-kilometre Zhovhe–Beitbridge canal to ensure water security for these projects,” said the Vice President.

With around 70% of the processed juice destined for export markets, the Beitbridge plant is expected to boost foreign currency earnings and contribute to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 transforming the country into an upper-middle-income economy through agro-based value addition and employment creation.