Cervejas de Moçambique (CDM)

Natural, Local,

AND INCLUSIVE

Natural, Local,

AND INCLUSIVE R

Cervejas de Moçambique believes that beer exists as much more than a product – it is an ecosystem that creates jobs, builds local supply chains, and connects people. We hear why beer is one of Africa’s most powerful economic engines whilst protecting communities from harmful alcohol with CEO, Galo Rivera Writer: Ed Budds Project Manager: Harry Thurlow 2 | Africa Outlook Issue 119

ight now, Africa’s beer industry is dynamic and exhilarating thanks to a youthful population, skyrocketing urbanisation, and the expansion of formal retail and hospitality channels – even in the face of macroeconomic and inflationary pressures.

In Mozambique specifically, the beer landscape still has significant headroom for growth, both in terms of per-capita consumption and in the formalisation of the category itself.

Cervejas de Moçambique (CDM), who we last spoke to in February 2023, has been the leading brewer in the country for decades and is part of the AB InBev family, which gives the brand both a strong local heritage and access to global capabilities.

“We operate multiple breweries across Mozambique, including our large, modern site in Marracuene near Maputo, as well as facilities in other key provinces to ensure we are close to consumers and retailers nationwide,” introduces CEO, Galo Rivera.

“Our portfolio spans iconic Mozambican brands such as 2M, Laurentina, Manica, and the cassava‑based Impala, alongside international brands including Castle Lite, Corona, Budweiser, Stella Artois, and others, allowing us to serve different consumer tastes and occasions,” he sets out.

CDM employs a substantial workforce directly and supports thousands more jobs indirectly

through its network of farmers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers.

In essence, the company has become a truly national business – ingrained in the fabric of Mozambique’s economy and communities and focused on delivering high‑quality, affordable, and responsible beer to customers every day.

CERVEJAS DE MOÇAMBIQUE FOOD & BEVERAGE

SHIFTING LANDSCAPE Rivera has identified three distinct and important trends that are currently evolving across the African beverage sector.

Firstly, he points to a steady shift from informal, often unsafe illicit alcohol to formal, regulated beer, which brings better health outcomes and more predictable tax revenues.

“There is also a growing preference for brands that feel local and authentic, like our core Mozambican portfolio, combined with interest in premium experiences as incomes rise.

“Finally, brewers are increasingly expected to contribute to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities – from

smart drinking and road safety to water, agriculture, and packaging sustainability,” Rivera observes.

In light of these shifts, CDM’s strategy is to be at the forefront of these trends, partnering with the government and communities to ensure growth in beer translates into inclusive, long‑term value for Mozambique.

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CERVEJAS DE MOÇAMBIQUE FOOD & BEVERAGE

WHAT IS CDM’S STANCE ON USING GLASS AND THE IMPACT PRODUCTION HAS ON FARMERS? Galo Rivera, CEO: “Returnable glass bottles are a critical part of our strategy in Mozambique because they are both affordable for consumers and more sustainable over their lifecycle.

“By extending the life of each bottle through multiple reuse cycles, we reduce waste, lower the carbon footprint per hectolitre, and help keep beer accessible in a context where purchasing power is under pressure.

“Our broader packaging and sourcing strategy is closely linked to local agriculture, particularly through brands like Impala, the world’s first industrially produced cassava‑based beer.

“By sourcing cassava from thousands of smallholder farmers, especially around Nampula, we provide a stable market for crops that previously often went unsold, improving incomes and encouraging more modern, productive farming practices.

“In this way, every bottle of beer we sell is connected back to the land, and we are committed to deepening those linkages as we grow.”

4 | Africa Outlook Issue 119

At present, the company sees its primary competition not as other formal brewers, but as illicit and informally produced alcohol that does not meet safety standards or contribute to taxes and often harms communities.

“What defines CDM is our combination of deep local roots and world‑class brewing standards. 2M, for example, is more than a beer – it is a symbol of national pride, a brand that Mozambicans identify with at home and abroad,” highlights Rivera.

This summer, the company is also proud to showcase 2M as one of the sponsors of the FIFA World Cup, a valuable global platform which will help to elevate brand awareness across the globe.

MORE THAN A PRODUCT Over the past 16 years, Rivera’s career has been dedicated to the beer industry and, in that time, he has come to see beer as much more than a product.

CERVEJAS DE MOÇAMBIQUE FOOD & BEVERAGE

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“ W H AT E X C I T E S ME ABOUT BEER I S T H AT I T S I T S AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOCIAL LIFE, ECONOMIC D E V E L O P M E N T, A N D P U B L I C H E A LT H ” – GALO RIVERA, CEO, CERVEJAS DE MOÇAMBIQUE

Rather, he views it as an ecosystem that creates jobs, builds local supply chains, and connects people.

“I was drawn to this industry because it is natural, local, and inclusive, bringing together agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, and consumers in a very tangible way,” he tells us.

“As I grew in leadership roles, I saw how a well-run beer business

can support government revenues through formal taxation, help shift consumption away from high‑risk, informally produced alcohol, and promote moderation and responsible enjoyment.”

This combination of economic impact, social responsibility, and the opportunity to build something enduring for Mozambique is what keeps Rivera deeply engaged in the beverage

and brewing industries today.

“What excites me about beer is that it sits at the intersection of social life, economic development, and public health,” he adds.

Beer is, by design, a drink of moderation and, when consumed responsibly, can be a powerful tool to shift people away from high‑alcohol, informally produced beverages that pose real risks to communities.

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CERVEJAS DE MOÇAMBIQUE FOOD & BEVERAGE

STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE CDM’s most visible recent investment has been the approximately USD$180 million committed to its state‑of‑the‑art brewery in Marracuene, which is now a key engine of the company’s growth.

This impressive facility incorporates modern brewing, packaging, and energy‑efficient technologies, enabling CDM to brew more consistently, reduce losses, optimise water and energy use, and support a reliable cold chain across Mozambique.

Elsewhere, CDM is also investing in digital tools – from advanced planning and logistics systems to data‑driven sales execution – to improve service levels for customers, reduce out-of-stocks, and drive productivity in operations.

These investments are not one‑off; they are part of a continuous improvement journey where the company benchmarks itself against AB InBev’s best breweries globally and adapts those standards to the Mozambican reality. The result is a more efficient CDM that can reinvest savings back into innovation, people, and communities.

Since we last caught up with CDM, its focus has been on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and deeper local integration.

In 2024, the company’s profits almost tripled year‑on‑year, reflecting both strong top-line momentum and improved efficiency, and this trajectory continued in 2025 despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

“The ramp‑up of our Marracuene brewery has been a cornerstone of our recent success, enabling us to increase capacity, improve quality, and support the reliable supply of cold beer across the country,” Rivera details.

“At the same time, we have expanded our work with local suppliers and farmers, particularly around cassava for Impala, helping to create more stable demand and income in rural areas.”

Meanwhile, CDM has stepped up its investments in responsible drinking and community initiatives, including clean water access near its breweries and campaigns against underage and harmful drinking.

“Overall, the last three years have been about building a stronger, more resilient CDM that can support Mozambique’s development over the long-term,” he prides.

THE NEXT STEPS TO SUCCESS Looking ahead, CDM’s priority is to remain at the heart of Mozambique’s growth story.

That means three things – first, continuing to drive sustainable, 6 | Africa Outlook Issue 119

profitable growth in beer by expanding its reach, strengthening core brands like 2M and Laurentina, and offering more choice across price points and occasions, including moderation‑focused innovations.

“We are also looking to accelerate the formalisation of the alcohol market by making legal, quality beer more accessible and by working with authorities to combat illicit and unsafe products,” Rivera discloses.

“Thirdly, regarding deepening our local impact, we are prioritising more local sourcing, industrialisation around packaging, as well as new partnerships on water, agriculture, and smart drinking.”

Rivera passionately believes beer is exciting because it is deeply local – brewed with local ingredients, reflecting local tastes, and present at key moments of celebration.

“ I WA S D R AW N T O T H I S I N D U S T R Y B E C A U S E I T I S N AT U R A L , L O C A L , A N D I N C L U S I V E , B R I N G I N G T O G E T H E R A G R I C U LT U R E , M A N U FA C T U R I N G , L O G I S T I C S , H O S P I TA L I T Y, A N D C O N S U M E R S I N A V E R Y TA N G I B L E WAY ” – GALO RIVERA, CEO, CERVEJAS DE MOÇAMBIQUE

“Being able to shape that ecosystem in a way that promotes moderation, safety, and shared prosperity is what makes this industry uniquely motivating for me.

“Our ambition is clear – we want CDM to be recognised not only as the leading brewer, but as a long‑term partner in Mozambique’s socioeconomic development, creating value for consumers, customers, employees, farmers, and the country as a whole,” he finishes with pride.

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