Tiger Brands has invested more than R200 million to modernise its historic Paarl facility, strengthening local manufacturing, food production and supply security across South Africa.
The transformed Paarl Culinary mega-site now operates as three specialised manufacturing plants, producing vinegar, Mrs Ball’s Chutney and recyclable PET-packaged jams while strengthening localisation and manufacturing resilience.
Tiger Brands CEO Tjaart Kruger said the investment forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to modernise its manufacturing network, improve operational efficiency and deliver greater value, affordability and supply security for South African consumers.
One of the facility’s biggest milestones is the commissioning of a new vinegar plant capable of producing three million litres annually. The investment secures the supply of a key ingredient used in iconic brands including Mrs Ball’s Chutney, All Gold Tomato Sauce and Crosse & Blackwell Mayonnaise, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
For the first time, Tiger Brands has also brought production of Mrs Ball’s Chutney in-house. Previously manufactured by a third party, the brand will now be produced at the Paarl facility, strengthening quality control while improving manufacturing flexibility and supply security.
The site also marks an industry first for South Africa’s jam category through the introduction of recyclable PET packaging. The lighter, more convenient containers improve sustainability while maintaining product quality and creating opportunities for future packaging innovation.
According to Dumo Mfini, Managing Director of Tiger Brands Culinary, the investment demonstrates the company’s commitment to localisation, manufacturing capability and meeting changing consumer needs through improved production capacity and more convenient packaging solutions.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the investment represents a strong vote of confidence in the province’s economy and job creation ecosystem, highlighting the importance of continued private-sector investment in growing local manufacturing.
The Paarl mega-site forms part of Tiger Brands’ wider manufacturing investment programme. The company plans to invest approximately R1.5 billion annually in capital expenditure over the next three years, including a R1 billion super bakery in Pretoria, a Mega Distribution Centre in Gauteng and upgrades to manufacturing facilities across South Africa.
Beyond manufacturing, the investment also strengthens local agricultural value chains. The Paarl facility sources strawberries, onions and Seville oranges from Western Cape farmers, supporting seven local growers that collectively employ more than 300 permanent and approximately 700 seasonal workers.
Today, the Paarl mega-site manufactures several of South Africa’s best-known food brands, including All Gold Jam, Mrs Ball’s Chutney, Hugo’s Jam, Colman’s Worcestershire Sauce and Mustard, and Crosse & Blackwell Kasi Sauces.
