Kudzanai Sharara in Shanghai, China
Zimbabwean agribusiness STAGRI Brands has received enquiries for between 5,000 and 20,000 tonnes of chilli from buyers at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), as demand for the crop gathers momentum in China.
Chief executive Valentine Tapfumaneyi said the expo had continued on a high note for the company, with strong interest from buyers in what remains a niche but high-volume market.
“We have had quite some interesting enquiries. You know, it’s a niche business. We’ve had some strong interests,” Mr Tapfumaneyi said.
“This is a volumes market. We’ve got enquiries ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 tonnes for supply of Tejaswini.”
The interest in chilli comes as Zimbabwe uses the expo to diversify its export basket beyond traditional commodities.
In a previous interview, ZimTrade chief executive Allan Majuru said Zimbabwe’s primary objective at the CIIE is to expand exports to China, particularly value-added products, while strengthening commercial relations between the two countries.
“We want to diversify Zimbabwe’s export basket beyond traditional commodities and create opportunities for horticulture, processed foods, leather products and other manufactured goods,” Mr Majuru said.
He said China’s expanded zero-tariff market access presents opportunities to improve the competitiveness of qualifying Zimbabwean products. Zimbabwe’s participation, he said, seeks to translate those opportunities into increased exports, industrial production and foreign currency generation.
STAGRI Brands is showcasing varieties of chilli grown in Zimbabwe at the expo, which is underway in Shanghai.
Tejaswini is one of the several varieties grown by the firm which also value adds into dried chilli, chili powder, and chilli flakes.
Mr Tapfumaneyi said the company is setting up a chilli value chain in Zimbabwe, where it aggregates the crop from farmers and exports it, primarily with a focus on China.
“We run by our motto, from smallholder to export,” he said.
The company is promoting the Tejaswini variety, a processing variety it says can compete with the Indian market and be produced for the mass market.
“We stand to compete with the Indian market and produce this for the mass market,” Mr Tapfumaneyi said. “Visit our stand and check out what we have to offer.”
Mr Majuru said ZimTrade expects the delegation to secure export orders, distribution agreements and strategic partnerships with Chinese importers, retailers and investors.
“We also aim to introduce more Zimbabwean products into Chinese supply chains, strengthen market intelligence and identify investment opportunities in value addition, processing and export logistics,” he said.
“At the end, we want to convert Zimbabwe’s strong diplomatic relations with China into tangible commercial gains that support industrialisation, export diversification and sustainable economic growth.”
Mr Tapfumaneyi urged Zimbabwean farmers to take up chilli production to meet the growing export demand.
“I would like to encourage our farmers to start growing Tejaswini,” he said.
