• ECCBC invests $77.6M to expand Morocco plant, boosting output by 40%
• New lines produce soft drinks and water for growing $1.1B market
• Expansion part of ECCBC’s broader push across West and North Africa
  

The Moroccan subsidiary of Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC), an authorized bottler for The Coca-Cola Company in West and North Africa, opened two new production lines at its Nouaceur plant on Monday, Oct. 27.

The expansion was supported by a total investment of 715 million dirhams ($77.6 million), local media reported. Company officials stated the new lines, which will produce both carbonated soft drinks and water, will increase the factory's annual production capacity by 40%.

The investment signals ECCBC’s intent to grow its market share in Morocco's soft drink sector. The local market is projected to reach a size of $1.1 billion by the end of 2025 and is forecast to show an annual growth rate of 3.02% through 2030, according to Statista projections.

"This project reflects and strengthens the Coca-Cola system's historic commitment to Morocco, a country where our teams and our future are deeply rooted," said Farid Benchekroun, General Manager of ECCBC Morocco, as quoted by Moroccan media La Nouvelle Tribune. "With these new lines, we reinforce our local capacity, create new jobs, and invest in Moroccan talent while supporting the country's vision for a more sustainable and innovative industry."

The investment in Morocco follows ECCBC's recent strengthening of operations in Ghana. In July, the bottler announced an agreement to acquire Voltic (GH) Limited and West African Refreshments Limited (WARL), two carbonated soft drink units operating in the West African country. While the financial terms of that deal were not disclosed, it increased ECCBC's production capacity in Ghana.

These consecutive investments point to a progressive strengthening of ECCBC's industrial base across Africa. Founded in Equatorial Guinea in 1989, the bottler now operates in 13 countries across West and North Africa.

Stéphanas Assocle