Phoenix Beverages Unveils Rs 700 Million Ultra-Modern Production Line

In a significant boost to the Mauritian manufacturing landscape, Phoenix Beverages Ltd has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art soft drink production line, representing a strategic investment of over MUR 700 million.

The ceremony, held on Friday 27 February at the company’s Phoenix premises, was attended by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, members of the government, the diplomatic corps, and economic partners.

The project, which has been part of a deep industrial transformation since 2023, aims to elevate the local beverage industry to international standards through cutting-edge technology.

Doubling Capacity and Enhancing Sustainability

The new production line is designed to double the group’s manufacturing capacity while adhering to strict environmental benchmarks.

According to company officials, the facility integrates:

• Energy Performance: The use of high-performance motors and LED lighting across the site.
• Resource Management: Optimised processes to significantly reduce water consumption.
• Global Standards: The integration of “last generation” technology to ensure international competitiveness.

CEO Bernard Theys described the event as a “highlight” for the firm. “We are not just inaugurating a production line; it is a new energy, a new rhythm for Phoenix Beverages,” Mr Theys stated, noting that the investment represents a “true acceleration” for the company.

An Economic Pillar and Export Engine

Arnaud Lagesse, Chairman of Phoenix Beverages Group, placed the investment within the context of the 2026-2027 budget consultations currently being held by the Ministry of Finance.

He emphasised that the “revival and transformation of our economy rest on a fully shared responsibility” between the private sector and public authorities.

The impact of the investment extends beyond the local market:

• Employment: The group employs hundreds of staff and supports a network of distributors and traders, contributing to thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
• Regional Trade: The increased industrial capacity will bolster export operations to La Réunion and the Seychelles.

The Road to “New Resilience”

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam paid tribute to the company’s pioneers, Pierre Huguenin and Philippe Lagesse, praising their visionary spirit in diversifying Mauritian industry long before it became a national priority.

He specifically cited the 1953 bottling agreement with The Coca-Cola Company as a pivotal moment in the nation’s history of structured technology transfer.

The Prime Minister also looked toward the future of the manufacturing sector, referencing his recent participation at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit in India. He urged the industry to adopt:

• Predictive maintenance to reduce downtime.
• Digital twins for process simulation.
• AI-driven optimisation of production chains.

“Being adaptable is no longer enough. We must demonstrate that we are adaptable. Adaptability is the new resilience,” the Prime Minister declared, calling for close collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Official Inspection

Following the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Prime Minister was guided through the facility by technical teams.

The tour covered the entire production cycle, from the initial bottling stages to final packaging, showcasing the tangible results of the company’s technological pivot.

Source: l’Express