QBL: 70 Years of Growth, Innovation, and Commitment
Corporate
Quality Beverages Limited (QBL), a subsidiary of the Currimjee Group and a leader in Mauritius’s Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. This milestone marks seven decades of partnership with consumers and a significant contribution to the country’s socio-economic development.
QBL kicked off its celebrations with a grand gala evening on Friday, October 3, at the Château de Labourdonnais in Mapou. The event was attended by Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives, Aadil Ameer Meea, members of the Currimjee family, group executives, and a host of personalities, clients, and partners.
The evening paid tribute to Abdulla Currimjee, whose foresight in introducing Pepsi-Cola to Mauritius in 1955 sparked seven decades of passion, evolution, and success. The founding of QBL also represented the Currimjee Group’s entry into the nascent industrialisation era in Mauritius, at a time when the country was grappling with high unemployment.
Anchored in Legacy, Focused on the Future
Anil Currimjee, Chairman of the Board of Currimjee Jeewanjee and Company Ltd, highlighted the deep roots of the company’s commitment. “QBL’s 70 years echo the seven decades of commitment and contribution by the Currimjee family and the Currimjee Group to the industrial development and economic fabric of Mauritius,” he stated. He emphasized that the company’s future ambition is to strengthen partnerships and cultivate a relationship of trust based on collaboration and a common vision.
“We are guided by a deeper aspiration: to give meaning to everyday life, to open the way to new opportunities, and to instil a sense of belonging and purpose in the lives of Mauritians and beyond,” he added.
The Pillars of Future Growth: Innovation, Partnership, and Sustainability
Recounting QBL’s journey, Iqbal Oozeer, Managing Director of Currimjee Jeewanjee and Company Ltd and Chairman of the QBL Board, expressed his admiration for the company’s ability to create and sustain powerful brands. “Brands that inspire confidence, that carry stories, and that are now part of our collective memory,” he remarked.
Mr Oozeer further stressed that while the Currimjee Group has built solid brands over the last 135 years, the focus is now on preparing for the future. This future, he said, must be built on three distinctive pillars: innovation, partnership, and growth through synergies.
He was clear that “growth and profitability alone are not enough.” He called for the company’s journey to be “impregnated with sustainable practices, in the preservation of our planet for future generations. This means building responsible businesses, respecting our communities, and requires perfect alignment with our group’s values that anchor us to our heritage.”
A Transformation into an FMCG Powerhouse
QBL has evolved from a non-alcoholic beverage company into a major FMCG player in Mauritius, with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 3 billion. The company provides families daily with a portfolio of over 40 brands, spanning beverages, food products, soaps, detergents, and personal care items.
Inigo de Prado, Managing Director of QBL, attributed this success to a forward-thinking spirit, impactful strategies, significant investments, and a constant pursuit of quality to meet consumer expectations and market changes.
Mr Prado pointed out that a significant shift began in 2012 with the deployment of a strategic transformation plan. This plan focused on creating better synergies between the different entities of the Currimjee Group’s industrial division to optimize operations, ensure growth, and solidify the product portfolio, thereby strengthening market competitiveness.
“We have invested in new systems and technologies, as well as in sustainability initiatives throughout the distribution chain, which has allowed us to consolidate our market position and modernize our distribution network,” he stated. Mr De Prado also extended a heartfelt tribute to QBL’s employees for their contributions, and thanked loyal consumers and partners for their unwavering support, while also acknowledging the foundational vision of the Currimjee family.
Expanding Horizons in the Indian Ocean Region
With its extensive portfolio and a dozen international partners, QBL is now setting its sights on consolidating its presence in the Indian Ocean region. The company plans to significantly increase exports to markets like Réunion, Madagascar, Comoros, and Mayotte, while also actively exploring new growth opportunities across Africa.
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 10 October 2025
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