Varun Beverages Zimbabwe is widening its foothold in Zimbabwe's fast-moving consumer goods market after securing exclusive distribution rights for Mondelēz International's confectionery and biscuit portfolio, adding brands such as Oreo, Cadbury and Toblerone to its expanding snacks business.

The agreement with Mondelēz South Africa takes effect on October 1, 2026, and covers the exclusive distribution of Mondelēz's chocolate, biscuit, candy and gum products throughout Zimbabwe. Varun said the arrangement would use its existing distribution infrastructure and would not require a separately disclosed investment.

“We wish to inform you that Varun Beverages (Zimbabwe) (Private) Limited ... has entered into an Exclusive Distribution Agreement today with Mondelez South Africa Proprietary Limited,” Varun Beverages said in a regulatory filing, adding that the agreement covers Mondelēz products across Zimbabwe.

The deal adds another layer to Varun's rapid expansion into snacks. The company already distributes PepsiCo brands, including Lay's, Doritos and Simba, while its Zimbabwe operation has also moved into local production with Cheetos following the commissioning of a snacks manufacturing facility.

Varun Beverages Zimbabwe chief executive Vijay Bahl said during the company's earlier expansion that the snacks investment was intended to extend the business beyond beverages and create a wider manufacturing and distribution operation.

“We got the franchise for Zimbabwe and beyond. So today we have laid the foundation stone for the snacks project and very soon we will start making, selling and distributing snacks,” Bahl said in 2024. He added that the business intended to export snacks to neighbouring markets.

The company subsequently completed its Cheetos production line, complementing its Lay's, Doritos and Simba portfolio. Varun's Zimbabwe snacks expansion has also been linked to local sourcing, particularly maize, with the company saying local production could strengthen relationships with farmers and create demand for agricultural output.

Varun chairman Ravi Jaipuria said the company's Zimbabwean consumers had already embraced its Pepsi products as the business expanded into new categories.

“The consumers of Zimbabwe accepted Pepsi products and have not only welcomed it but they love it,” Jaipuria said when the company was expanding its local manufacturing footprint.

The Mondelēz agreement now gives Varun access to a substantially broader international food portfolio. In addition to Oreo, Cadbury and Toblerone, Mondelēz's brands include Ritz, belVita, LU, TUC and Halls.

The significance of the agreement extends beyond the individual brands. Varun can use an established distribution system developed around beverages and PepsiCo products to distribute another major multinational's products, potentially increasing the volume and range of goods moving through its retail network.

For Mondelēz, the arrangement provides access to Varun's nationwide distribution infrastructure. Varun said its multi-layered network would be used to improve the availability of Mondelēz products across retail outlets, including supermarkets, neighbourhood stores and community shops.

The agreement also comes as Varun continues to deepen its investment in Zimbabwe. Its snacks manufacturing expansion has followed earlier investments in beverages, while the company is also developing plans in the brewing sector.