The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has granted a senior loan of up to US$10 million to Empire Manufacturing Kazakhstan (EMK), paving the way for the construction of a modern coffee-processing plant in the Khorgos Free Economic Zone. This significant investment will enable EMK, a subsidiary of Food Empire Holdings (listed on the Singapore Exchange), to commission, build, and equip a cutting-edge facility that promises to set new benchmarks in the Kazakh and Central Asian food-processing sectors.

Key highlights of the project include:

• Modernized Production: The new facility will be equipped with advanced technology and stringent hygiene standards, establishing a benchmark for the entire food-processing industry in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

• Job Creation & Economic Growth: The project is expected to create numerous job opportunities, further strengthening the local economy.

• Export Expansion: Up to 50% of the coffee produced at the new plant will be exported to Central Asia and the Caucasus, tapping into the growing demand for Food Empire’s range of instant beverages and other products.

• Strategic Investment: This investment reinforces the EBRD’s long-standing commitment to supporting private entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan, having already deployed over €11 billion across 335 projects in the country.

By modernizing its operations, Empire Manufacturing Kazakhstan is poised to significantly boost its production capacity and expand its export footprint, driving innovation and efficiency in the region’s food-processing industry.