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Michael Tome
HARARE – Food manufacturing company, Associated Foods of Zimbabwe (AFZ) says it is now eyeing export market at the backdrop of an upsurge in the company’s production capacity level.
The company’s production levels significantly increased to 280-350 tonnes of foodstuffs from 40 tonnes per month which is a 600 percent surge. The production growth is attributed to a $2 million fund from Norfund (Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries).
Speaking on the sidelines of the ISO certification function in Vumba, Associated Foods of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Simba Nyabadza noted that increased levels of production coupled with ISO 22 000 certification is ammunition to venture into the regional and international market.
“Our production jumped from the initial 40 tonnes per month in 2016 to 280 – 350 tonnes per month currently.
“Now that Associated Foods of Zimbabwe is ISO 22000 certified, our manufacturing processes and safety are now world class so that gives us ammunition for export. We are now looking at making inroads into Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and the SADC region as a whole,” said Mr Nyabadza.
Associated Foods processes, packages, sells and distributes a variety of food products that include natural fruit jams and marmalades, peanut butter, canned fruits, processed tomatoes, tomato sauces, chutneys, baked beans, canned vegetables, nuts and savouries under Mama’s, Farmgold and Sunbird brands.
ISO 22000 food safety management system IS acquired when an organisation demonstrates its ability to control food safety hazards and ensure that food is safe for consumption.
Online Reporter