New Minsa Plant in Spanish Lookout Promises Jobs

There’s exciting news coming out of Spanish Lookout where Country Foods has officially opened its brand-new Minsa factory. It’s a major investment, two-point-eight million dollars, and it’s expected to do a lot for Belize: strengthen food security, create jobs, and give local farmers a boost. The factory, operating under the ‘TAZTY’ brand, can churn out up to thirty tons of product every single day. That means meeting local demand and even breaking into export markets. It’s another step toward cutting down our reliance on imported staples. News Five’s Paul Lopez has that story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Country Foods held a grand opening ceremony for its new Minsa factory in Spanish Lookout. With a daily capacity of thirty tons, the facility will supply enough Minsa corn flour for local demand and set its sights on export markets.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“This facility is built to produce an impressive thirty tons of minsa per day. This capacity is almost double the current national consumption in Belize, which is positioned to meet not only local demands but to tap into the local market. I think the entire country looks at Spanish Lookout as trailblazers, as leaders, when it comes to the economy and manufacturing and I want to express our gratitude to you and the appreciation of the hard work you do.”

 

The factory, marketed under the “TAZTY” brand, is expected to create jobs and support local farmers. The idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when rising food prices and unemployment highlighted the need for local production. Country Food’s Chief Executive Officer says this is a proud moment for the company and its employees.

 

Heinrich Weibe, Chief Executive Officer, Country Foods

“As you can see a tremendous amount of work has been accomplished, however our commitment to quality does not end with production. We will continuously seek to improve and adopt our process to meet the needs of Belizeans. Every step of our journey has been driven by a shared vision to offer a healthy, authentic and local produced alternative that is a hundred percent corn and to produce a product that everyone can trust. as we move forward we encourage open dialogue so we can ensure taste that truly reflects the taste of Belize.”

 

Country Foods invested two point eight million dollars in the project, importing most of the equipment from China. In 2024 alone, Belize imported over five million pounds of Minsa worth over four million dollars. This factory aims to cut that dependency and save foreign exchange. Among those present at the launch was Orlando Habet, Area Representative for Cayo Northeast.

 

Orlando Habet, Area Representative, Cayo Northeast

“Your commitment and determination have made this day possible, wishing your business continued success and growth. Today’s opening reflects Country Food’s commitment to progress and sustainable practices. The state-of-the-art plant represents the very best in modern manufacturing.”

 

Norman Reimer, leader of the Spanish Lookout community, also addressed the gathering. He praised the company for its investment in Belize’s food security.

 

Norman Reimer, Community Leader, Spanish Lookout

“As a community, famers and consumers alike, we all want this product to be the best in the world, to achieve that we must continue to strive for excellence through ongoing research, involvement and hard work, with the help of the government. I am confident in this team and their ability to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal. On behalf of the community, thanks to you for your effort, dedication and continued commitment.”

 

Consumers can expect to see the product on grocery store shelves across the country very soon. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.