Nestlé Zimbabwe Boosts CEREVITA Production as Demand Soars

Nestlé Zimbabwe is turning up the heat on breakfast time — quite literally — as it scales up production of its beloved CEREVITA cereal to meet growing demand across the country and the region. This comes after the company’s recent US$7 million investment into local manufacturing, reaffirming its deepening commitment to Zimbabwean families.

By Plot Mhako

For many households, CEREVITA is more than a breakfast option — it’s a daily ritual. The cereal’s warm, toasted aroma is instantly familiar, evoking memories of bustling school mornings and family kitchen chatter. That signature smell and taste come from a unique process: wholegrain cereals are gently toasted before being transformed into the crispy flakes found in every pack.

“Our goal is simple — to bring more CEREVITA to more Zimbabwean tables,” said Khaled Ramadan, Nestlé’s Managing Director for East Africa and Greater Zambezi. “Made with whole grains, it’s naturally packed with fibre, essential fats, antioxidants and energy — ideal for nourishing families every day.”

The expansion includes the installation of a new Roller Dryer machine, which has increased production capacity by over 35%. More importantly, it’s allowed Nestlé to maintain the high quality and safety standards customers have come to expect, while making CEREVITA more widely available in shops across the country.

CEREVITA is available in five flavour-packed variants — Corn & Wheat, Corn & Banana, Corn, Cocoa & Malt, Flakes with Milk, and Corn & Sorghum — offered in 500g and 750g packs. Each is fortified with GRAINSMART™, a blend of iron, vitamins and minerals that helps support energy release throughout the day.

But the impact of this investment goes far beyond breakfast bowls. Nicole Roos, Managing Director and Chairperson of Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region, says, “This is about more than just increasing output. It’s about empowering local suppliers, supporting Zimbabwean farmers, and producing a product that proudly reflects our local identity.”

Currently, Nestlé works with over 350 local suppliers and 18 farmers while supporting hundreds of workers and graduate trainees. The company’s operations are also aligned with sustainable goals under Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 — focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

And CEREVITA’s reach is expanding. With exports to Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, Zimbabwe is fast becoming a regional cereal hub — with Nestlé’s roots deeply planted in its local communities.

For over six decades, Nestlé has been part of Zimbabwean life. And with CEREVITA at the heart of its growth, that legacy of nourishment is only getting stronger.