Delta Corporation Remits US$240 Million in Taxes as Beverage Sales Surge

Delta Corporation has paid over US$240 million in taxes to ZIMRA following a surge in beverage sales (image source)

HARARE – Delta Corporation, Zimbabwe’s largest beverage manufacturer, has paid over US$240 million in taxes to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for the fiscal year ending September 2025, reflecting a strong rebound in formal sector performance and consumer demand.

The tax contribution includes corporate income tax, excise duty, and value-added tax (VAT), making Delta one of the top contributors to the national fiscus. The company’s latest financial results show a 15% year-on-year growth in revenue, driven by increased volumes in lager beer, sorghum beer, and sparkling beverages. “Delta’s tax footprint is a barometer of formal sector resilience,” said Tapiwa Mudzviti, a Harare-based tax consultant. “It also signals the effectiveness of ZIMRA’s compliance enforcement in high-volume industries.”

Delta’s flagship brands Castle Lager, Chibuku Super, and Coca-Cola continue to dominate the market, buoyed by improved distribution networks and stable electricity supply. The company has also benefited from the relative stability of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, which has helped reduce input costs and foreign exchange losses.

According to Delta’s annual report, the company invested in cold chain infrastructure and route-to-market technologies, enabling deeper penetration into peri-urban and rural markets. This has helped formalize previously informal alcohol and soft drink sales, increasing taxable revenue. “We’ve seen a shift in consumer behavior toward trusted brands, especially in urban centers,” said Delta’s CEO, Matlhogonolo Valela. “Our focus remains on product availability and affordability.”

ZIMRA has intensified efforts to widen the tax base, particularly targeting informal traders and mobile money agents. However, the formal sector remains the backbone of revenue collection, with companies like Delta setting the pace. The beverage industry is also benefiting from a post-COVID recovery in leisure and hospitality, with bars, restaurants, and bottle stores reporting increased foot traffic. Analysts say this trend is likely to continue into the festive season, further boosting Delta’s sales. “Delta’s performance is a microcosm of Zimbabwe’s consumer economy,” said economist Dr. Prosper Chitambara. “It shows that despite macroeconomic challenges, pockets of growth exist.”

Delta’s tax contribution is expected to support government spending on infrastructure, health, and education. The Ministry of Finance has welcomed the payment, calling it a “model of corporate citizenship.”