adminpossibility of bread shortages in the country.
The two are the National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe headed by Mr Cydwell Chitewe and the Bakers Association of Zimbabwe led by Mr Wellington Peyama.
BAZ claimed after a “crisis meeting” last week that there was going to be a bread shortage in Zimbabwe as production had declined by over 50 percent owing to serious capacity constraints.
Bakers were reportedly producing 600 000 loaves daily against a demand of 1,6 million loaves.
But the NBAZ however, contested this accusing BAZ of misrepresenting the situation.
“NBAZ wishes to reassure members of the public that there is no bread shortage looming in Zimbabwe,” the organisation said in a statement, adding that it was working with the Government and the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe to ensure constant supply of bread.
With over 130 members, the NBAZ said it was the authentic representative of bakeries in Zimbabwe accusing BAZ of being bogus and purporting to represent the members of NBAZ.
The NBAZ said it was recognised by Government and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries.
Its membership included top bakeries such as Bakers Inn, Lobels Bread, Proton Bakery, OK and TM Instore bakeries, Plaza Bakery among others.
Contacted for comment, BAZ president Mr Peyama dismissed the NBAZ’s utterances as mere politicking.
He maintained that there was a crisis in the industry, owing to failure by players to recapitalise operations and buy new machinery.
“They (NBAZ) has a bone to chew with us. If they want to prove us wrong that there is no looming bread shortage in the country, let them provide the facts,” Mr Peyama said.
While admitting that the BAZ was formed much later than the NBAZ, Mr Peyama said his organisation had a membership of 144.
He said the association was genuine as it was registered with the Government. – New Ziana.
“The CZI and ZNCC (Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce) do not fight but they both represent the interests of industries within various sectors of the economy,” he said, adding the NBAZ should concentrate on addressing the plight of its membership instead of attacking other players.
Mr Peyama said to show that there was a crisis in the industry, even Lobels Holdings, one of the biggest bakers in the country was at one time considering selling part of its shareholding to raise funding for its operations.
New Ziana
Online Reporter