Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Herald Correspondent
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has suspended a key tobacco buying company over suspected pricing irregularities, signalling a tightening grip on market conduct early in the current 2026 selling season.
Documents seen by Zimpapers show that Country Agro International (Pvt) Ltd has been barred from all tobacco buying activities with immediate effect.
In a letter dated May 4, TIMB says it has been tracking “pricing patterns and market signals” linked to the company that raise “serious concerns”.
The regulator warns the conduct may be distorting competition and undermining the integrity of the marketing system, with potential to “negatively impact grower viability”.
“In the public interest… TIMB has resolved to impose a temporary suspension… pending further review,” reads part of the correspondence.
The move, described as “precautionary”, gives the company five days to explain why the suspension should be lifted and why further sanctions should not follow.
The development comes as TIMB intensifies enforcement in the sector after recently barring five unlicensed contractors from participating in the 2026 marketing season.
