BY:TANA MALINGA
South Africa’s brewing and farming future took a bold step forward today.
Soufflet Malt, the world’s leading malt producer, has officially launched construction of a €100 million (R2 billion) malting facility in Midvaal, Gauteng, a landmark investment set to transform the country’s agricultural and brewing value chain.
Built next to HEINEKEN Beverages’ Sedibeng Brewery, the new plant will produce around 100,000 tonnes of malt every year, supplying beers such as Heineken, Amstel Lager, Sol and Windhoek. Once operational in mid-2027, the facility will use 100% locally grown barley, ending the need for imported malt and anchoring production firmly in South African soil.
A powerful boost for jobs, farmers and the economy
Construction, led by Abbeydale Projects, will run through 2026 and create about 400 jobs during the build phase. When operational, the plant will employ 55 permanent staff and support 200-300 indirect jobs across farming, logistics and related services.
More importantly, the project will support 200 to 250 farms, covering 30,000 to 35,000 hectares across Gauteng, the Western Cape, North West and Northern Cape, contributing an estimated R750 million to local agricultural GDP each year.
“This project is a strong vote of confidence in South Africa,” said Jorge Solis, CEO of Soufflet Malt. “By investing locally and working closely with farmers, we are building a resilient, sustainable supply chain that will drive long-term growth.”
Sustainability at the centre.
This will be South Africa’s most advanced malthouse, designed to cut emissions by up to 50% below the industry average using trigeneration technology that produces electricity, heat and cooling on site. Conveyors linking the plant directly to the brewery will reduce transport emissions and costs, while high-efficiency water systems will significantly lower freshwater use.
The project forms part of Soufflet Malt’s MALTiply 2030 strategy, focused on low-carbon design and smart technology.
Empowering farmers and building inclusion
Years of preparation have laid the groundwork.
Since 2018, Soufflet Malt and HEINEKEN Beverages have partnered with commercial and emerging farmers, offering training, mentoring and agronomy support to grow premium barley at scale.
Through collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), emerging farmers will also access grant funding and interest-free finance for equipment, lowering barriers to entry and enabling real participation in high-value supply chains.
“This is exactly the kind of catalytic impact our mandate is designed to deliver,” said Rian Coetzee of the IDC. “It creates jobs, strengthens rural development and enables black emerging farmers to compete sustainably.
“Brewing a better future
Aligned with HEINEKEN’s Brew a Better World 2030 strategy, the investment will cut imports by 100%, reduce emissions and build a stronger local economy.
“This malthouse brings our sustainability ambitions to life,” said Jordi Borrut, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Beverages. “It supports farmers, lowers our carbon footprint and ensures our growth is rooted in South Africa.
“As construction begins, one message is clear: this is more than a factory. It is a long-term commitment to farmers, communities and a future where South Africa brews, grows and thrives, locally.
About HEINEKEN Beverages
HEINEKEN Beverages is a South African drinks producer built on the legacy of three great companies – HEINEKEN South Africa, Distell and Namibia Breweries Limited. We are the company behind a host of iconic brands that include Heineken, Amstel, Savanna, Windhoek, Amarula, Nederburg, Klipdrift and many more. We pride ourselves in the diversity and commitment of our more than 5000 employees who are behind our success. www.heinekenbeverages.co.za
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Photo captions:
Picture 1 from left to right : Attendees at Soufflet Malt-HEINEKEN Beverages Groundbreaking: Millicent Maroga,Corporate Affairs Director at HEINEKEN Beverages, Mayor of Midvaal Municipality, Ald. Peter Texeira, MEC of Agriculture & Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramogkopa, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Lerato Maloka – Executive Mayor for Midvaal Municipality, Johan Van Zyl – Supply Chain Director at HEINEKEN Beverages
Picture 2 from left to right: Jeremy Antier – Managing Director Soufflet Malt South Africa, Thierry Blandinieres – Invivo Group CEO, Guillaume Couture – President of EMEA, Ald. Peter Texeira – Mayor of Midvaal Municipality, Panyaza Lesufi – Premier of Gauteng, MEC of Agriculture & Rural Development – Vuyiswa Ramogkopa, Lerato Maloka – Executive Mayor for Midvaal Municipality, Johan Van Zyl – Supply Chain Director at HEINEKEN Beverages, Guillaume Couture – President of EMEA
Picture 3: Soufflet Malt HEINEKEN Beverages’ malt house construction site with The HEINEKEN Beverages Sedibeng brewery in background
Picture 4: Groundbreaking Ceremony taking place at Soufflet Malt HEINEKEN Beverages’ malt house construction site with The HEINEKEN Beverages Sedibeng brewery in background
Picture 5 from left to right: Millicent Maroga – Corporate Affairs Director at HEINEKEN Beverages, Jeremy Antier – Managing Director Soufflet Malt South Africa, Al Bukhari Fournier – CFO of Soufflet Malt, Thierry Blandinieres – Invivo Group CEO, Johan Van Zyl – Supply Chain Director at HEINEKEN Beverages, Senior Manager, Programme & Strategic Projects at HEINEKEN Beverages, Guillaume Couture – President of EMEA
