Online Reporter
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
Zimbabwe’s top brands were in the spotlight last Friday night as the 2025 ZimBrands Awards recognised local excellence in quality, innovation, and market resilience.
The ceremony, hosted at the Golden Conifer in Strathaven, Harare, brought together business leaders, policy-makers and industry stakeholders under the banner of Buy Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the event, on behalf of Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, Permanent Secretary Thomas Utete Ushe praised the transformative power of local production in driving inclusive growth and fostering resilience in the face of global headwinds.
“The ZimBrands Awards is more than just a slogan. It is a call to action,” said Dr Ushe. “It reminds us that the future of this economy and that of the citizenry is in our hands. By choosing local, we are not only growing the economy, we are also saving jobs.”
The permanent secretary also highlighted recent policy measures including the liberalisation of the exchange rate and ongoing anti-smuggling initiatives aimed at protecting domestic producers.
“Government remains committed to addressing the concerns of local producers, particularly in combating smuggling and counterfeit goods that threaten the integrity of our market,” he noted.
He further called on Zimbabwean companies to reinvest in technology and research to maintain competitiveness ahead of increased regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Buy Zimbabwe chief executive officer and chairman Munyaradzi Hwengwere echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the campaign’s renewed mission.
“We as Buy Zimbabwe have struggled to say who we are. But in 2025, we got the answer. Zimbabwean companies desire an organisation that is a competitiveness driver,” said Mr Hwengwere.
“This year, we launched the first-ever largest nationwide consumer survey with 7 200 participants, of these, 5 200 were face-to-face and 2 000 online. It asked a simple but powerful question, what influences consumers to choose one brand over another?”
He added, “The winners tonight are those who excelled in price, quality, customer service, and innovation. These are market-selected champions, and we honour them.”
Among the stand-out winners of the night was Seed Co, which claimed the “Leading Local Brand in Agricultural Inputs Award,” cementing its reputation as a trusted name in food security. In agricultural equipment, Zimplow emerged victorious, reflecting the ongoing push for mechanised farming solutions amid climate change and labour shortages.
In fast-moving consumer goods, Pearlenta won the “Mealie Meal Brand Award,” while Zimgold took the crown for “Leading Cooking Oil Brand”. Cerevita was named the best in the “Cereal Brands” category, underscoring the strength of Nestlé Zimbabwe’s localised nutrition strategy.
Proton — Ramba Waraira, a nostalgic name in Zimbabwean households, scooped the award for “Leading Biscuit Brand,” while King Kurls claimed the “Snacks Brand” title. The diversity of winners reflects consumer trust across a broad range of sectors, from agri-business to leisure.
On the industrial front, Zimplats was honoured as the “Mining Company Supporting Local Businesses,” affirming the platinum miner’s role in domestic supplier development. In the telecommunications space, Econet emerged top in “Voice Services,” while NetOne took the top spot for “Data & Internet Services”.
The awards also recognised innovation and rising stars. Companies like ZESA Enterprises, Fivet Animal Health, and Blue Ribbon Foods were named as “Leading Innovative Drivers,” while brands such as Gloria Munchies, Ufresh, and Sunsoya were celebrated as “Emerging Brands to Watch”.
The evening culminated with the honouring of Mrs Ashell Ruswa as the “ZimBrands Champion of the Year,” a recognition of leadership and commitment to promoting Zimbabwean products.
As Permanent Secretary Dr Ushe, reminded attendees in his closing remarks, “Let us support our local brands and shape a brighter future for our nation. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Zimbabwe.”
The ZimBrands Awards reinforced a central message, buying local is not just patriotic, it is strategic. It signals to consumers, producers, and policy-makers alike that Zimbabwe’s industrial resurgence depends on collective belief and deliberate action.
Peter Tanyanyiwa