Zim’s Dairibord granted go-ahead to import raw milk in production boost

ZIMBABWE –Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited (DZL), a leading milk and dairy products producer in Zimbabwe, has been granted a special dispensation by the government to import raw milk from Mozambique in a bid to increase production.

This is in line with the government’s strategy to continue capacitating the dairy industry as it seeks to bolster milk production in the country.

Mr Edgars Seenza Provincial Administrator said the veterinary department had approved the deal and had visited Mozambique to inspect the farms which will supply milk to Dairibord, reports The Herald.

“The vet department granted the special dispensation and a team went to Mozambique last year to inspect the quality of the milk headed for the Chipinge plant and they made certain recommendations.

They will be visiting the farm again to verify if the recommendations they made have been implemented,” he added.

However, the government is yet to rehabilitate the infrastructure serving the region as it seeks to ensure smooth flow of traffic and the commodity to the plant.

“We have since engaged the Ministry of Transport to ensure that the road is rehabilitated and the government has already started work on that road and we hope that it will be completed by the time DZL starts bringing in the milk.”

The government has been seeking interventions for the capacitation of local dairy producers in the province to help increase supply of milk.

Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, Minister of State for Manicaland Affairs, urged farmers to increase local milk production to ensure that the Dairibord plant in Chipinge optimises it production capacity.

 “The Dairibord factory in Chipinge is currently operating at 40% capacity, but it is poised to increase its production level to 50% when 2 500 litres milk per month from Mozambique begin to arrive.

The total local production is 400,000 litres per month,” she said.

DZL is one of the largets dairy companies in the country with seven factories in Harare, Chitungwiza, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kadoma, Mutare and Chipinge.

The company also manufactures beverages, ice creams, cordials, condiments, sauces and spreads biscuit and bakery products.

DZL has a rich product portfolio including Dairibord Fresh Milk, Dairibord Lacto Cultured Milk, Dairibord Chimombe UHT Long Life Milk Dairibord Fresh Cream, Dairibord Yu-mmy Flavoured Yoghurts, Dairibord Cheese, Dairibord Ice Creams, Dairibord Fun n’ Fresh Juice, Dairibord Natural Joy Juice and Dairibord Aqualite Mineral Water.