French Maltster Invests $118 million in Gauteng

French global maltster Soufflet Malt has officially launched a €100 million ($118 million) malting facility in Sedibeng District Municipality, located in the southern part of Gauteng province in South Africa, representing one of the most significant investments in South Africa’s brewing and agricultural sectors.

Strategically positioned next to HEINEKEN Beverages’ Sedibeng Brewery, the facility will produce 100,000 tonnes of malt annually, sourced entirely from local barley farmers. Co-locating the malthouse alongside the brewery strengthens local integration, improves supply security, and reduces transport-related emissions.

Soufflet Malt expands to South Africa
The project is expected to create 55 permanent jobs and generate between 200–300 indirect jobs across agriculture, logistics, and related services. Designed with sustainability at its core, the facility will cut emissions by roughly 50% compared to industry averages using advanced trigeneration technology.

Soufflet Malt CEO Jorge Solis said, “This project is a strong vote of confidence in South Africa’s agricultural sector. By investing in local industrial capacity, we are building a resilient, sustainable malt supply chain.”

The new facility will support local barley farmers
The facility also features agronomy programs to support both commercial and emerging farmers through training, mentoring, and access to funding for agricultural equipment via HEINEKEN and the Industrial Development Corporation.

HEINEKEN Beverages managing director Jordi Borrut said the facility exemplifies its Brew a Better World ambition, emphasizing local sourcing, lower carbon emissions, and a more resilient supply chain.

Construction is scheduled through 2026, with commissioning in mid-2027, marking the most technologically advanced malthouse in South Africa.

This investment cements Soufflet Malt’s entry into South Africa, strengthening the country’s brewing value chain while supporting local farmers and sustainable industrial growth.