Hariss international of uganda, a leading african producer of mineral water, still and carbonated soft drinks (csds) for the domestic market, recently became the recipient of the first-ever sidel comb

06/11/13

A decisive factor in Hariss choosing Sidel was theflexibility of its solution, including the line equipment, servicesand also the company's overall business approach. The recent launchof a Sidel Services centre in nearby Kenya also helped, as did theexisting relationship with Sidel following the previousinstallation of a PET line for still water.

The flexibility afforded by the Combi line was a considerationin the selection process since Hariss will be using it to bottleCSD's, juices and water under the Riham brand, a well establishedbrand in Uganda.

Great expectations

Africa is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, andoffers significant growth opportunities for the beverages market. The continent is forecast to become the world'ssecond-fastest growing market for liquid dairy products alone, withdemand increasing by 3.5% each year over the next two years, toapproximately 17.3 billion litres.  The number of middle-classconsumers with increasing expendable incomes is also growing. Such consumers are now demanding access to more sophisticatedand internationally recognised products. 

Hariss was incorporated in 2005 to cater to this demand bymeeting the needs of the Ugandan foods and beverages market throughquality production.  It is expected that over the next fiveyears, as Ugandan consumers increasingly enjoy beverages in theirhomes, and exports and the overall economy grow, the country willrely less on imported products and move towards those produceddomestically, particularly juices which are recognised for theirpurity. 

Versatility now a priority

Before the new line was installed at its production facility inKampala, Uganda, Hariss had been bottling only still water on itsexisting Sidel PET line.  It wanted, however, to meet theincrease in local demand, support local agricultural producers, andgain a manufacturing advantage over its competitors.  Byinstalling the very latest, fully automated aseptic processingtechnology, it sought to gain the lead in Uganda's developing foodand beverage industry with higher quality products.  Thedecision was made to invest in a new PET bottling line.  Onthis occasion, however, Hariss insisted the new line should beadaptable to cope with the bottling of different beverages andproducts, including juices and CSDs, while anticipating futurecapacity requirements.

Following the investment Hariss can now bottle CSDs anddifferent juices, as well as still water on its new line.  Mr.Andrews Ruben, the Managing Director and CEO of Hariss, explainedwhy the decision was made to invest in the Sidel line. "When Harissdecided to go for a new line, first the Chairman, Mr. Yasser K.Ahmed, and then the Technical Manager, Mr. Hassan Abdelrida,travelled all over the world to find credible products for theline. Then, based on extensive and thorough discussions to ensureour specific needs were accommodated, we finalised the line withSidel, electing to go for a capacity of 16,000 bph rather than ouroriginal 8,000bph. "

Working with Sidel

Another decisive factor was Sidel's local presence in EastAfrica, where it has been working since 1991.  An example ofthis local presence is the recent establishment of a local trainingprogramme to enhance the skills of local engineers.  Sidel'slatest office is in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, whereexperienced technicians are just an hour's flight to the plants ofmost East African customers.  This proximity is obviouslyvital for local beverage producers and, with spare parts also heldin Nairobi, it all helps to facilitate Sidel's speed ofresponse.

The input of a true partnership

Mr. Ruben summed up: "Hariss decided to go with Sidel for anumber of reasons, including the flexibility of the solution andthe open, transparent and regular communications towards theproject.  Hariss also wishes to express its gratitude to Sideland its Kenyan team for all its great and valued input.  Theypassed on their technical knowledge to the Hariss team, so theycould understand the solution in-depth."

Press release to download.