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Michael Makuza, Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Sugar Association (ZSA) has denounced misleading statements circulating in some sections of the media alleging that sugar is in short supply amid claims that some retail outlets have run out of the product.
In a Press release yesterday, ZSA chairman Mr Muchadeyi Masunda said they have noticed the misleading statements concerning supplies.
The ZSA wishes to put the record straight and advise that the statements appearing in the media are unfounded and incorrect.
“We would like to reassure our valued customers, consumers and the general public that there are more than adequate stocks of sugar to meet the normal household requirements throughout the festive period and right up to April 2023 when the new milling season is scheduled to start.”
Mr Masunda said as the designated entity responsible for setting sugar prices in the local market, ZSA has not effected or authorized any retail or wholesale price increases since August this year.
Meanwhile, the pricing of sugar and other basic commodities like mealie meal, bread and cooking oil has remained stable for several months, a positive development that has been hailed by consumers.
Sugarcane production is set to increase with the rainfalls, which are being experienced countrywide. This will increase water capacity between Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi dams and will support the expansion of sugarcane production in the Lowveld.
The Tongaat Hulett Company has been extending technical support to farmers as well as collaboration with the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Experiment and Research Station (ZSAES), with the program expected to significantly contribute to yield improvements in coming years mainly on the back of new sugar cane varieties being introduced.
The assurance of the availability of sugar in the market is great news at a time Buy Zimbabwe has expressed concern over the proliferation of unfortified sugar imports in the market, a development that is exerting undue competition with local products.
Since 2011 Buy Zimbabwe has been spearheading a campaign to promote local procurement and consumption of locally produced goods.
The Tongaat Hulett Company has been extending technical support to farmers as well as collaboration with the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Experiment and Research Station (ZSAES), with the program expected to significantly contribute to yield improvements in coming years mainly on the back of new sugar cane varieties being introduced.
As such, Mr Masunda assured all stakeholders that the Zimbabwe Sugar Industry remains committed to producing and distributing enough sugar to meet the needs of the local market at competitive prices.
Online Reporter