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