Malawi honey demand surges in Kenya, Burundi

BY CHIMWEMWE MANGAZI:

Demand for locally produced honey is reported to be growing in some regional markets, including Kenya and Burundi.

Honey producer Hive Limited said is overwhelmed with it market demand for its products in the two countries.

In the first six months of 2018, Hive Limited is reported to have exported over 60 tonnes of honey products to the countries.

The company, which is operating in 24 districts in the country, works with beekeeping groups and cooperatives under the banner of National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (Nasme)

Hive Malawi Director, Olive Mwenefumbo, said the company’s competitiveness is emanating from it working with its parent company, the Hive Group, which operates in 16 countries in Africa.

“We have realised that there is a lot of honey in Malawi but most farmers are not finding markets for their products. With our expertise and the huge demand that is there, both on local and international markets, we welcome other organisations and individuals to partner us to satisfy market demand,” Mwenefumbo said.

Managing Director of Africa Honey and Food Products Limited, Fredrick Matress, concurred with Mwenefumbo, saying other honey producers are failing to meet the demand on the market.

He attributed the situation to lack of access to capital.

“We are facing a similar challenge where there is high demand for our products on the international market,” Matress said.