Angola-based bottle maker Vidrul SA, controlled by Castel Group Ltd., may double revenue in 2014 as beverage companies from China, Lebanon and South Africa start local factories to avoid customs tariffs. Sales may reach $10M in 2014, according to Vidrul's General Manager Carols Martins who gave an interview at the company's factory which is based in Angola's capital, Luanda. The southwest African country is raising import duties in April on most drinks and bottles to as much as 60% - from 2%. Vidrul will spend $50M over the next two years, including the installation of a new furnace to expand output, Martins said. "The customs law is very important because it helps the government increase employment, diverts local drinks producers from importing bottles and its obviously good for our business." Martins said, adding: "The big surprise for us is the number of Angolan companies that need bottles." Angola is reforming its tax system by merging the collection agency with customs while raising fees to protect industries and diversify from petroleum, which accounts for 80% of taxes and 45% of the economy. Castel Group was founded in Bordeaux, France in 1949, domiciled in Geneva, Switzerland, and is the largest wine producer in France and Europe, and the second-largest beer and soft drinks business in Africa, according to the company's website.
