adminworried about the unavailability of local cooking oil brands on local shop shelves.
There was a particular emphasis on Olivine cooking oil, which is known for its quality and affordability.
It is unfortunate that over the last couple of years the same could not be said of its availability.
For many, it is sad that Olivine has not been available to compete with brands from South Africa such as Delight and Safflo.
Ever since our launch in March this year, Olivine Industries has been a major participant at our events and exhibitions and their participation at the Buy Zimbabwe Day and insignia launch was also a main attraction with a number of consumers making inquiries on their cooking oil.
Olivine has successfully managed to create the hype for the return product and I am reliably informed that consumers will be able to buy their favourite product in September.
When I saw a 2-litre bottle of Gold Seal last month, I immediately bought it to make my own assessment of the product and I must say that I was impressed.
I would like to take this opportunity to praise the return of Gold Seal cooking oil, part of the Red Seal family, which is currently retailing at US$4,05 at some shops compared to US$4,20 being charged on imported brands.
Last month we witnessed a number of locally produced products gaining ground on the market, thanks to the fiscal policy review by the Finance Minister.
More so, market leaders such as Turnall and Delta have managed to maintain strong market presence even during a rather unfavourable duty and tariff regime.
Such companies and their proud brands stand as examples of the potential that the country has.
They also serve as a yardstick to local companies that seek to expand their operations within their specific industrial and commercial sectors.
The return and performance of Gold Seal on the market is clear testimony that at the pace of one brand at a time, Zimbabwean products can return to competitive ways.
However, it is important to note that when Buy Zimbabwe speaks competitiveness it should not come at the expense of the consumer.
Businesses should remember that as we gear up to give prominence to local products and services on both the local and international market, it is important to remember that since the consumer is sovereign he/she requires three key things:
Product availability, product quality and fair pricing. Another local product that seems to have re-established itself very well on the market is Capri’s range of refrigerators, which are retailing competitively with brands from across the world.
Capri must also be commended for its strong focus on discontinued used of substances that deplete the ozone layer such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in line with the Montreal Protocol.
This strict adherence to quality and environmental standards shows that Capri products meet international standards.
Capri sales and marketing director Mr Mandla Ncube told me that while realising that their product is very competitive in terms of pricing and specification, they are also working on additional features such as the colour.
This follows the realisation that consumers have called for more colours to their product range to include silver and black. Local products, too, can be responsive to consumer needs.
I have noticed that the Finance Ministry has warned local businesses against engaging in wanton increases of prices especially on basic commodities as was the case during the hyperinflationary days of 2008.
For those of us who were around to endure that period, you will agree with me that there is really no point in going back to those times.
The lessons that were learnt during that time should be taken seriously and as Buy Zimbabwe, we believe in bringing local businesses and consumers together in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Clearly, now is the time for local businesses to deliver on the promise that with the right kind of support, they can effectively compete on the market.
There is no doubt that local consumers have a strong preference for local brands and the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has statistics to prove that. What is left is for us as business to deliver.
Till next week . . . God Bless.
- For comments, contributions and membership contact Buy Zimbabwe on: [email protected] or [email protected]. Cell: 0772 714 233 Or visit 22 Broadlands Road Mount Pleasant Harare. Website: www.buyzimbabwe.org.zw
Online Reporter