Online Reporter
Your Money, Your Call
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba
AS temperatures have been soaring across Zimbabwe this summer, the streets have become a hive of activity, with vendors offering everything from bottled water to frozen treats.
But for a group of unsuspecting friends seeking relief from the heat recently, a simple indulgence near Julius Nyerere Way in Harare turned into a sour lesson in consumer deception.
Drawn by the familiar colours and branding of a well-known ice cream manufacturer, the group approached a vendor whose uniform and cart bore a striking resemblance to the trusted company.
“We thought it was from the company,” one of the friends said.
“We assumed it was the real deal.”
The illusion, however, melted faster than the ice cream itself. The moment they took their first lick, the taste was distinctly “off” — chalky, overly sweet and lacking the creamy texture they associated with the reputable brand.
“It tasted like someone had mixed powdered milk with sugar and frozen it in a bucket,” another friend added.
“It was awful!”
When they turned to confront the vendor, he and the cart had vanished, leaving behind only sticky fingers and a bitter after taste.
They had been duped: the ice cream was counterfeit.
This incident is not isolated.
Across Harare and other urban centres, imitation products — from beverages to cosmetics — have infiltrated the market, often disguised under familiar branding.
But the emergence of fake ice creams is a worrying trend, especially given the health risks associated with unregulated food production.
A health specialist told this writer last week that these ice creams pose serious health hazards since they are often made in unhygienic conditions, with no quality control and may contain expired or unsafe ingredients.
The health practitioner added that in hot weather, the risk of food poisoning increases.
The deception is not just about taste — it is about trust.
Zimbabweans have long relied on visual cues to identify reputable brands, especially in informal settings where receipts and guarantees are rare.
“When purchasing from the street, you make a decision based on the uniform and logo. However, even those signs are being faked,” bemoaned a mother of three.
Consumer protection advocates are calling for urgent action.
They are calling for stronger enforcement of branding laws and food safety regulations.
But, more importantly, they want public awareness campaigns that help the public to spot fakes and report them.
Some manufacturers have begun adding QR codes and tamper-proof seals to their packaging, but these measures are difficult to implement on mobile carts and street vending setups.
Meanwhile, vendors continue to exploit the gap between brand familiarity and regulatory oversight.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have acknowledged the rise in counterfeit food products and urged citizens to report suspicious vendors.
However, tracking down mobile sellers who operate without licences or fixed locations remains a significant challenge.
In the absence of formal recourse, communities are turning to each other.
WhatsApp groups, neighbourhood watch forums and even church bulletins are being used to share warnings and bogus vendor sightings.
“We are protecting ourselves by identifying bogus traders and spreading the news,” said one youth leader.
As the summer heat continues, so does the demand for cold refreshments. But for many, the lesson is clear: Not every cart with a familiar logo is selling the real thing.
Until stronger protections are in place, vigilance remains the best defence.
For those craving a cool treat, it may be wiser to stick to known outlets — or risk licking a lie.
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing, sales and customer service consultant. For suggestions and training, contact her on: [email protected] or +263712979461/0719978335/0772978335.
