Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza
Zimpapers Business Hub
Driven by the desire to create a lasting legacy for her daughter, Tamari (Tammy), and build a legacy rooted in Zimbabwean culture, Ruvimbo Vambe has transformed Tammy’s Classic Foods, based in Highfield, Harare, into a leading Zimbabwean household brand in snacks and dried foods.
Registered in 2007 as a small-to medium-sized enterprise (SME), Tammy Classic Foods supplies a range of products, including peanut butter, roasted groundnuts, popped maize (maputi), and sesame oil.
“Food is deeply connected to identity, and I wanted to show that Zimbabwean snacks can be made professionally, with consistent quality, while still being affordable to everyday families,” Ms Vambe said in an interview.
In the next 5–10 years, she sees the company not only distributing nationwide but also exporting into regional markets.
“Our steps include strengthening production capacity, improving supply chain efficiency, investing in branding, and building strong partnerships with both formal and informal retailers,” she said.
She said Tammy Classics’ competitive edge came from producing authentic, proudly Zimbabwean snacks that are both affordable and high-quality, using simple, traditional recipes but ensuring modern packaging and consistent quality.
“To maintain this edge, we are committed to quality control, continuous innovation, and staying close to our customers through direct engagement in both urban and rural markets,” said Ms Vambe.
She said currently, the informal market is driving the company’s volume and direct consumer access, while the formal market builds long-term credibility and brand trust.
“Our strategy is to balance both. Scaling aggressively in tuckshops, vending stalls, and growth points while also solidifying relationships with supermarkets and wholesalers.
“We keep the essence of tradition, for example, how maputi are popped or how peanut butter is prepared, but we use modern methods for hygiene, efficiency, and packaging.
“This balance allows us to scale while preserving the authentic taste that people know and love,” she said.
Ms Vambe said product innovation remained a key focus area, listening to customers both at the grassroots level and in retail outlets and testing new products based on demand trends.
However, the biggest challenges include rising raw material costs, limited access to affordable financing and stiff competition from imports.
“We address these by improving production efficiency, building strong relationships with local suppliers, reinvesting profits for growth, and lobbying for fair trade practices that support local producers,” she said.
She added that the company saw opportunities in distribution partnerships, co-branding with retailers, collaborations with schools for nutrition programmes, and export partnerships with diaspora markets.
“We are also open to working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government initiatives focused on local food security and empowerment,” said Ms Vambe.
She also highlighted that the company is currently working on ensuring that the Zimbabwean market is fully satisfied with its products.
“We believe in building a strong foundation first, refining our processes, strengthening our supply chain and deepening customer trust in the local market. Once we have achieved that, we plan to expand into regional markets where we can proudly showcase our Zimbabwean products.
For us, growth is not just about speed but about sustainability and excellence,” she said.
She said the company’s main contribution to the local economy has been through creating jobs and empowering people.
“We employ staff across production, sales, and distribution, and we also support many families indirectly through the value chain, from local farmers who supply us with raw materials to the informal traders who sell our products in their communities.
“In addition, we are passionate about giving back by providing affordable, proudly Zimbabwean products that families can rely on.
“As we grow, we look forward to strengthening these community linkages and finding more ways to uplift people around us,” said Ms Vambe.
However, she said all these efforts come through balancing business and family, which has never been easy, especially as a mother of 7, 4 being biological and 3 adopted.
“Each child has different needs, and that requires patience, love, and wisdom. At the same time, running a company like Tammy’s Classic Foods comes with its own pressures.
“I have learnt that balance does not mean doing everything perfectly, but rather knowing when to prioritise, when to delegate, and when to rest.
“My children have become part of my inspiration; they are the reason I push forward, because I want to show them that dreams are valid and achievable.
To other women entrepreneurs, embrace your unique journey, don’t compare yourself with others and remember that your strength as a mother and a leader can co-exist beautifully,” she said.
