Edita Food Industries, an Egypt-based consumer goods group led by multimillionaire businessman Hani Berzi, has opened a manufacturing facility in Morocco as part of its strategic expansion plans to capitalize on Morocco’s young and rapidly growing population and present them with an expanding array of products that cater to their changing tastes.
The official inauguration of Edita’s first overseas production facility outside of Egypt marks a significant milestone in the group’s regional expansion strategy and solidifies its position as a multi-country player in the Arab region.
Moroccan Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour stated that the manufacturing facility will undoubtedly strengthen the country’s food manufacturing position by developing exports in the Moroccan Berrechid region and providing job opportunities to the youth.
“This partnership, which we have supported, has capitalized on the strengths of the Moroccan agri-food sector and is in line with its future priorities to meet global consumer demands,” he said.
The new facility, which currently employs 300 Moroccan citizens, will be run by Edita’s Moroccan subsidiary, Edita Food Industries Morocco, which was established under a partnership agreement by Edita and the Moroccan Dislog Group.
Berzi, who owns a significant 41.95-percent stake in the leading packaged foods manufacturer through Quantum Invest BV, stated that Edita plans to open a second phase of the facility with a budget of MAD170 million ($17.4 million), which will add 12,000 square meters and 400 new job opportunities.
According to the partnership agreement, Dislog, which operates one of Morocco’s largest FMCG distribution networks, will own a significant 20 percent stake in the subsidiary, while the Hani Berzi-led food business will own a majority of 77 percent of its Moroccan operation.
