ORODARA – In a significant move to diversify the beverage industry in Burkina Faso, Mahamadou Barry, the entrepreneur behind the acclaimed ‘Babali’ mineral water brand and leader of the Presta-Sud group, inaugurated the ‘Haassey International’ soft drinks production unit on Friday, February 23, 2024. The ceremony, held in Orodara, Kénédougou province, was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem of Tambèla, marking a pivotal moment for the local economy and the beverage sector.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the new factory is co-located with Barry’s mineral water production plant and aims to produce an array of soft drink flavors. These include ‘Babali orange’, ‘Babali cola’, sparkling water, and an energy drink, all available in 0.5 liter and 0.3 liter bottles. With a robust production capacity of 15,000 bottles per hour, ‘Haassey International’ is set to make a substantial impact on the market.
The plant is well-equipped, featuring a water treatment room, syrup factory, packaging line, a raw materials storage warehouse, a cold room, and a warehouse for finished products. This comprehensive setup underscores the factory’s readiness to meet high production standards and contribute significantly to the local economy.
Prime Minister Kyelem’s attendance at the inauguration was more than ceremonial; it was a gesture of encouragement towards private sector investment and a call to action for other Burkinabè entrepreneurs. Highlighting the role of national companies in driving economic growth, Kyelem emphasized the government’s reliance on economic operators to invigorate the national economy. He urged the Burkinabè population to support ‘Haassey International’ by choosing its products, thereby fostering local industry and job creation.
Mahamadou Barry expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s support and acknowledged the contributions of sponsors, guests of honor, and financial partners. He outlined the journey from the inception of his mineral water unit in 2009 to the establishment of ‘Haassey International’, which represents an investment of 7.470 billion CFA francs. The expansion has significantly increased employment, with Barry’s enterprises now providing jobs to 562 permanent staff, 700 day laborers, and creating approximately 10,000 indirect jobs.
Despite the celebration, Barry voiced concerns over challenges like the high cost of electricity, advocating for preferential pricing to aid manufacturers in controlling production costs and encouraging further investment. The event also saw Al Hassane Siénou, representing the sponsors, laud the initiative as a testament to the economic actors’ commitment to national directives on production and transformation. He called for increased state support for businesses, underlining their need for community and governmental backing to thrive.