GMAZ welcomes Champion Foods
THE grain milling industry has welcomed the launch of Champion Foods, a blackowned milling company that boasts cutting-edge technology and the capacity to produce large quantities of maize meal.
This new investment ranks as the biggest black-owned milling enterprise in the region with a milling capacity of 500 tonnes of maize and 200 tonnes of wheat per day.
In a statement yesterday, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) president, Mr Tafadzwa Musarara said the company’s capabilities were especially welcome given the rising demand for maize meal and the impact of the ongoing drought on food production.
“The grain milling industry welcomes the gallant entry of Champion Foods into the local milling industry.
“The installed milling technology at Champions Foods is state of the art, supported with computerised systems that produce, among others, up to 50 000 of 10kg bags a day.
“This positive development has happened at the right time when the country is faced with unprecedented drought and requires a substantial amount of maize meal to supply both the commercial market and to aid relief programmes.”
Mr Musarara described the company’s advanced technology and large production capacity as a crucial contribution to meeting the country’s growing demand for maize meal.
“It provides added capacity to the country that will enhance food security at the household level.
“Development of any country is measured against its ability to overcome adverse situations, and this investment increases the country’s ability to be self-sufficient in maize milling.
“The Association remains ready, able, and willing to provide any assistance to Champions Foods.”
Officially launching the multi-million dollar milling plant last week, President Mnangagwa said the entrance of more milling companies into the market will break the monopoly that some foreign firms have been abusing, and help curb wanton price increases of mealie-meal.
He added that the project highlighted the commitment and motivation of the investor to take up opportunities that the country’s economy has to offer while providing a critical service to the nation.