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THE Zimbabwe Food Conference and Expo has gone national with a view to rally consumers towards locally produced food in light of increasing imports that have crippled industry. Processed food imports surpassed the one billion dollar mark in the past three years negatively contributing to the current account deficit which reached $3,4 billion last year.
Economists say the major driver of overall inflation deceleration has been food inflation — now in consecutive decline for over a year. This has forced local firms in the food sub-sectors to increasingly face thinning margins against the background of intense competition from imports. In a bid to arrest the negative effects of the imports, local food producers will gather in Gweru this Friday for the third instalment of the Zimbabwe Food Conference and Expo to find ways to promote locally produced food products.
The Gweru conference will run under the theme; “Buy & Eat Zimbabwe Food Only” and will be held at the Gweru Sports Club. The first ZFCE instalment was held in the capital, with the second being held in Bulawayo last month. Two more instalments will be held in Mutare and Masvingo as the organisers put more focus on the top five cities which are of greater economic influence.
“These are the top five cities with the highest population and high sphere of influence. They are the areas also mainly affected by imports which have resulted in company closures,” said Mr Tafadzwa Musarara chairman of the Food Conference and Expo, the event organiser. “We are taking the brands to the people. The consumers will be able to taste some of these brands. There will be a business-to-business session from 0900-1300hrs,” he said.
The Gweru event adopts the use of entertainment in mobilising consumers towards locally produced goods. This concept will see popular dancehall musicians Judgment Yard and Templeman perform on Friday afternoon. Saturday will be a food expo where local producers will exhibit their brands.
Mr Musarara said some companies will be launching new brands and packaging styles on Saturday. Music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi will entertain the delegates on Saturday afternoon. Mr Musarara said the mix between business and entertainment is designed to take the campaign to buy local to the consumers.
“The youths are the biggest consumers of food and we are giving an opportunity to the companies to create brand loyalty in the youth. “This is why we are bringing in the likes of Judgment Yard and Templeman,” said Mr Musarara. “We feel that it’s best for us to create content that brings crowds and then we communicate our message. Entrance is free,” he said.
The ZFEC brings together stakeholders to brainstorm on ways to ensure food security in the country.
Online Reporter