Natfoods moves up value chain

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU

Zimbabwe’s biggest agro-processing company, National Foods, is forging ahead with innovations that support the creation of vibrant agriculture value chains following its launch of the traditional small grains processed foods.

Last week, Natfoods launched Pearlenta Smart Carbs and Multigrain Meals as part of the company’s efforts to beneficiate agricultural produce into healthy ground diets.

Speaking at the event, Industry and Commerce minister Sekai Nzenza said the launch of the traditional food is a testimony to the implementation and operationalisation of some of the critical aspects contained in the economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1.

“From an Industry and Commerce perspective, National Foods is clearly playing a central role in bringing about economic growth and stability and also assisting the government and the Ministry in moving the economy up the value chain through value addition.

“I certainly applaud National Foods for being key and central in ensuring that every household in Zimbabwe is well fed. It is from this field-to-the-table concept that will see Zimbabweans being healthy,” Nzenza said.

The Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development permanent secretary John Basera represented by the Strategic Planning and Business Development chief director Clement Bwenje said Zimbabwe benefits more from Natfoods beneficiation processes, as more people will be employed.

“I applaud the National Foods team for being so ingenious in coming up with and innovating around these traditional and small grains processed foods. This is a timeous intervention by the company,” Basera said.

The Lands Ministry promised to work very closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare Province, and all the other Provinces and the Chiefs Council to expedite the process of ensuring that every household has processed traditional foods.

Natfoods managing executive Chipo Nheta thanked the government for the formulation of a National Task Force on Traditional Processed Foods.

“That is a real game changer which will see a positive turnaround in our eating habits. We will work very closely with the government and all the critical stakeholders and ministries who are here,” he said.

National Foods is engaging the Ministry of Health and Child Care to make traditional processed foods available at clinics and hospitals.

“At any given time, government hospitals, and any hospitals for that matter, should have enough stocks of traditional grains and processed foods.