Food Empire Holdings Limited has been awarded a 10-hectare plot of land in the Khorgos Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kazakhstan to develop a new coffee-mix production facility (the new facility). With an initial investment outlay of USD 30.0 million, the new facility will occupy half the 10-hectare plot, leaving ample room for future expansion. This will enable the Group to potentially double its capacity at the opportune time.

Located in one of Kazakhstan's SEZs, the new facility will be eligible for special provisions such as various tax benefits that are unique to such zones. Food Empire expects to receive regulatory approvals to commence construction by June 2024 and for the new facility to be completed and to start contributing to revenue by the end of 2025. When finished, it will produce coffee-mix sachets under the Group's various brands, including its MacCoffee brand, which are sold in over 60 countries.

It is also expected to create 300 new jobs for the local Kazakh community.