Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
The 2026 tobacco marketing season has officially come to an end following the completion of mop-up sales, with the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) now turning its attention to preparations for the next production cycle.
TIMB chief executive officer Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire said the conclusion of mop-up sales marked the closure of the marketing season after farmers were given the opportunity to clear remaining tobacco stocks.
“All auction floors will officially close on Friday, 31 July 2026. Mop-up sales will be conducted on 5 and 6 August 2026. Contract sales will continue until individual contractors have completed receiving tobacco deliveries from their contracted growers,” said Mr Matsvaire.
The closure came as final seasonal figures showed that farmers increased tobacco deliveries compared to last year, with TIMB indicating that the sector recorded improved output despite challenging market conditions.
TIMB acting public affairs officer Mr Ryhne Chikuni said farmers delivered 353 813 565 kilogrammes of tobacco during the 2026 marketing season, compared to 347 274 672kg recorded in 2025.
“The figures represent a two percent increase in volumes, with contract sales accounting for the bulk of deliveries at 323 688 578kg, while auction floors handled 30 124 987kg,” he said
A total of 4 421 586 bales were laid during the season compared to 4 383 589 bales last year, while sold bales stood at 4 229 274 compared to 4 251432 in 2025.
However, despite increased volumes, earnings declined during the season, with total tobacco sales value falling by 24 percent to US$882 492 252 from US$1,1 billion last year.
The average price also dropped from US$3.33/kg in 2025 to US$2.49/kg this season.
Quality challenges also emerged, with rejected bales increasing by 46 percent to 192 312, from 132 157 recorded last season.
The sector now shifts focus towards improving leaf quality, increasing farmer returns and strengthening competitiveness as Government continues pursuing its target of transforming tobacco into a US$7 billion industry.
