Soufflet Malt and Heineken Beverages to Build $110 Million Malting Facility in South Africa
Soufflet Malt and Heineken Beverages have announced a strategic partnership to develop a cutting-edge malting facility near Johannesburg, which will significantly boost South Africa’s agricultural and brewing industries. The $110 million investment by the French malt producer reinforces its commitment to local production, sustainability, and job creation.
The facility, set to be built next to Heineken’s Sedibeng Brewery, will supply high-quality malt for the South African brewing operations. It is expected to be operational by mid-2027 and will be the country’s most technologically advanced malting plant, integrating innovative processing techniques to enhance productivity, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Strengthening South Africa’s Agricultural Supply Chain
With an estimated annual output of nearly 100,000 tonnes, the facility will play a key role in transforming the agricultural sector. By sourcing barley from local farmers, this initiative will create new market opportunities, boost rural economies, and strengthen the country’s agri-processing industry, reducing reliance on imported malt.
The facility will incorporate trigeneration technology and solar energy, cutting carbon emissions by 50% compared to industry standards. Its strategic location next to Heineken’s brewery will enable direct malt transfers via conveyor belts, eliminating truck transportation, reducing emissions, and streamlining costs.
Boosting Economic Growth and Job Creation
Beyond agriculture, this investment will drive South Africa’s economic growth by creating jobs across farming, logistics, and manufacturing. It will also strengthen local supply chains and position the country as a key player in the global malt industry.
Heineken Beverages Managing Director, Jordi Borrut, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable brewing and community development. “This significant investment by Soufflet Malt, in partnership with our company, marks a monumental commitment to South Africa, and we are immensely proud to be part of this venture. Heineken Beverages is deeply invested in the region, continuously enhancing our footprint through local production, sourcing, and job creation.”
Also, Soufflet Malt CEO Jorge Solis highlighted the importance of global expertise with local impact.
“This partnership perfectly reflects Soufflet Malt’s ability as the world’s leading maltster to deliver agile, locally tailored solutions to long-standing global clients like Heineken. We are proud to support Heineken Beverages in realizing its ambitious vision for South Africa by merging cutting-edge agronomic innovation with our extensive malting expertise and a robust, locally integrated supply chain.”
Meanwhile, Guillaume Couture, Managing Director of Soufflet Malt for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the project’s broader economic and agricultural benefits.
“Our collaboration with Heineken Beverages marks an exciting new chapter in South Africa’s malt supply chain. We look forward to deepening our engagement with local farmers, fostering sustainable barley farming, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of South Africa through this initiative.”
Final Thoughts
This investment by Soufflet Malt and Heineken Beverages marks a major milestone in South Africa’s brewing and agricultural industries, promoting economic growth, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. As the project progresses, it is poised to redefine malt production in Africa, benefiting farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.
