Makamure cited insufficient quantity and quality of local sugar as key challenges hampering soft drinks production under The Coca-Cola Company franchise.
He further stated that the industry was being forced to rely on costly sugar imports due to the local deficiencies, imports that remain subject to a protective duty of US$100 per ton.
However, in a press statement on Thursday, Hippo Valley and Triangle clarified that the country’s sugar industry is not only meeting, but exceeding national requirements.
“Zimbabwe’s annual domestic sugar demand ranges between 320 000 and 360 000 tons. In the last season, we produced 440 000 tons and entered the current season with 84 600 tons in stock,” part of the statement reads.
Both producers added that they are currently “crushing ahead of target” and expect a comfortable surplus at the close of the 2025 season, while also refuting any claims of poor product quality.
“All our table sugar is fortified with Vitamin A, and we operate under strict quality assurance systems guided by international standards, including the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA),” the companies said.
They further highlighted that they are certified under the globally recognized Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000) and are subject to regular audits from beverage manufacturers.
On the issue of pricing, the two producers acknowledged that the cost of production in Zimbabwe remains high compared to regional markets, attributing this to high input costs, expensive utilities, elevated labour costs, and logistical bottlenecks.
“Despite these challenges, our agricultural yields and milling efficiencies remain among the best in the region,” they said.
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