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Yes, Lactalis Zambia closes Manufacturing site but maintains operations in the Country

Misleading

Social media claims that Lactalis Zambia is shutting its operations and relocating to South Africa are misleading. An internal company memo from Lactalis Asia Oceania Africa (LAOA) dated December 31, 2024, confirms that while the manufacturing site in Zambia is closing, the company will continue to operate in the Zambia. The memo outlines a transition to a new business model, where Lactalis products will be sourced from South Africa and other subsidiaries through the retail and wholesale channels in Zambia.

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Verified Jan, 01 2025

Claim

On 31 December 2024, claims surfaced on social media alleging that Lactalis Zambia was shutting down its manufacturing operations in Zambia, relocating to South Africa, and intending to import its products from there. These claims attributed the alleged decision to factors such as load-shedding, economic challenges, and drought.

The claims were widely shared on online platforms such as Facebook, where posts by pages like Zambian Watchdog link https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EGfxVVsYG wondered if Lactalis was closing its Zambian manufacturing section to rely on imports. Another post by The FOX Newspaper( https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AxRudWu8m/) stated, “PARMALAT SHUTS DOWN OPERATION IN ZAMBIA DUE TO LOAD-SHEDDING.” This narrative was echoed by the Zambia Dairy & Beverage Expo (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15WYzGVpy9/) in its headline. The Zambia Daily also expressed concern regarding the company’s closure due to alleged operational challenges. On Instagram, an account named emwamba26 (https://www.instagram.com/emwamba26/p/DEPvM-Ip_5b/?img_index=1) posted a headline stating, “Bad Economy, Load-shedding, and Drought Forces Parmalat to Close Manufacturing Plant in Zambia.”

However, what are the facts regarding Lactalis Zambia’s operations and the basis of the alleged claims?

Rating Justification

iVerify Zambia has determined that the claims about Lactalis Zambia shutting down its operations and relocating to South Africa are misleading. While it is true that Lactalis Zambia is closing its manufacturing site and transitioning to a new business model, the claim that the company is relocating to South Africa and completely exiting Zambia is false.

To verify the claims, iVerify Zambia examined an internal memorandum released by Lactalis Asia Oceania Africa (LAOA). The MEMO, dated 31 December 2024, outlined the company’s decision to close its manufacturing site in Zambia and strengthen its commercial operations starting 1 April 2025. A cross-check of the contents of the MEMO against the public claims circulating on social media clarified that under the new business model, Lactalis products will be imported from South Africa and other subsidiaries through Zambia’s retail and wholesale channels. The decision was influenced by various factors, including the current state of Zambia’s economy, which was affected by a severe drought, and the ongoing financial challenges faced by the company, with significant resource absorption over the last eight years.

Evidence and References

Publication of the Internal Memorandum by Lactalis
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Xb3RThKUX/

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