No sugar shortage looming: ZSA

By a Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Sugar Association (ZSA) has dismissed reports that the country is facing a shortage of sugar.
ZSA chairman and former Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda said:
“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.”
Masunda said ZSA had neither effected nor authorised and price increase of sugar since August.
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 Lowveld Zimbabwe.
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 programme 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.
As such, 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.