Innscor Africa Limited has reported strong volume momentum across its core manufacturing divisions in the third quarter ended March 31, 2026, driven by aggressive capacity expansion and a strategic focus on affordable pricing despite persistent policy uncertainty and volatile global commodity markets.

The group’s trading update for the 2026 financial year’s third quarter highlighted broad-based gains, particularly in the Mill-Bake, Protein, Beverage, and Light Manufacturing segments.

In a statement accompanying the results, the company noted that growth was anchored by operational efficiencies and enhanced distribution reach.

“The group continued to register encouraging volume momentum across its core manufacturing operations during the third quarter of the 2026 financial year,” Innscor said.

“The Mill-Bake segment maintained its positive growth trajectory, supported by expanded manufacturing capacity, improved operational efficiencies, and enhanced distribution reach.”

The Bakery division emerged as a standout performer, with loaf volumes surging 28 percent in the nine-month period.

This followed the successful commissioning of a new fully automated production line at the Harare facility in May 2025.

Addressing the capacity uptake, Innscor stated that “the uptake of the additional capacity had been excellent, with the investment delivering improvements in product quality, consistency and operational efficiency.”

A sixth bakery line is currently being commissioned at the same plant and is expected to come online before the financial year ends.

In the Protein segment, Colcom Holdings Limited delivered a robust 29 percent increase in aggregate volumes.

Fresh pork volumes recovered by 35 percent, while the iconic “Colcom Pie” category grew 38 percent.

Explaining the division’s performance, the company said “route-to-market initiatives continued to improve product availability and market penetration.”

At Triple C Pigs, volumes rose 25 percent following the commissioning of a new production unit in July 2025, and a new sow breeder unit commissioned in the third quarter is expected to further increase pig supply.

The Snacks division continued its rapid growth trajectory, with sales volumes surging 60 percent ahead of the comparative period, driven by strong consumer demand for the “Zapnax” and “King Kurls” brands.

Similarly, the Pasta division recorded a 41 percent increase in volumes as production scaled up at its new short-cut pasta facility.

At National Foods Holdings Limited, however, aggregate volumes for the nine months closed marginally behind the comparative period.

While the Flour division posted a solid 15 percent increase, the Maize division registered a sharp 56 percent decline.

Addressing the contraction, Innscor noted that “despite the contraction, the company said efforts to strengthen sustainability in the unit continued, with growing traction in the premium Pearlenta refined maize meal category.”

Meanwhile, The Buffalo Brewing Company continued to benefit from strong consumer demand for its Nyathi sorghum beer brand, with volumes increasing 30 percent over the comparative period.

Looking ahead, management signalled caution amid evolving domestic policies.

“Management remains focused on sustaining volume momentum across the group’s diversified portfolio, while maintaining disciplined pricing strategies that preserve product affordability and market relevance,” the company said.

It added that “focus will therefore continue to be prioritised to disciplined working capital management, strong free cash generation, and prudent capital allocation.”

In a significant strategic move, Innscor recently underwrote a US$8 million rights offer by Tanganda Tea Company Limited, increasing its shareholding to about 29 percent.

Consequently, Tanganda’s financial results will be consolidated into the group’s accounts effective April 1, 2026.