09 Dec 2025 New lemon processing plant for Coega SEZ

South Africa’s agro-processing industry is entering a new phase of growth, with the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) emerging as a focal point for value-added investment.…

San Miguel, a global leader in citrus production and processing, has committed R490-million to establish a state-of-the-art lemon processing facility in Zone 3 of the Coega SEZ.

The plant is designed to process up to 100,000 tonnes of lemons annually by 2030, positioning it among the most advanced citrus-processing operations on the African continent.

For decades, South Africa’s agricultural exports have been dominated by raw or minimally processed products, limiting value retention within the local economy. San Miguel’s Coega facility represents a strategic shift away from this model.

The plant will produce high-value ingredients, including essential oils, juice concentrates and dehydrated peel, enabling deeper participation in global food, beverage and fragrance supply chains.

This move also strengthens South Africa’s position in the international ingredients market while reducing reliance on primary exports.

The project has already created 120 direct jobs, with a further 250 indirect employment opportunities expected through local supply chains and service providers. Beyond job creation, the investment supports skills development, technology transfer and industrial diversification in the Eastern Cape.

By processing citrus locally, the facility also opens new market opportunities for regional growers, improving supply chain resilience and enhancing long-term competitiveness.

Processed lemon products from the Coega plant are expected to reach more than 200 customers across 50 countries. Proximity to the Port of Ngqura, combined with world-class SEZ infrastructure, allows San Miguel to compete globally on both scale and quality.

Source: IOL