WINE INDUSTRY IN TANZANIA: Discussion Points

ByProf. Bendantunguka Tiisekwa (PhD)

Food Scientist cum TechnologistDean, Faculty of Agriculture (SUA) and

Director Morogoro Ben’s Winery

Wine is important

ENHANCES Overall National Development-• Increase income – several actors along the

supply chain (limited participation in the Region)

• Nutritionally- provides some nutrients- energy• Socially- interaction, networking, relaxation

Opportunities for increased contribution

• Suitable land and climate• Emerging SME producing wine• New consumer of wine• Export potential

Challenges for industry

• Inadequate working technical knowledge of those involved in wine (oenologists)– Unavailability of specialized technical staff– Inability to pay for specialists

• Poor machinery and unavailability of processing facilities- small scale wine makers– Inappropriate , not locally available

Challenges for industry (ctd)

• Unavailability of appropriate packaging materials- quantity and design– Packaging in used (recycled bottles)

• Unaffordable price for packaging materials for small scale

• Inadequate capital and difficult access to credit – to meet business requirements– Construction of suitable premises– Product certification (TBS) and Premises and Product

Registration (TFDA)

Challenges for industry (ctd)

• Conflicting product and labeling standardsNational vs Regional vs International standards– Alcohol content (10-14% TZS, ≤ 14% (EAS), ≤ 14%

(US), 6.5 -16.5 (Int. Stds.) –restrictive on low alcohol wines

– Requirement for Tannin content , Extract in the case of TZS

Actions for development of the industry

• Form wine makers association to chart out issues and interest and seek for necessary support, also to influence policy

• Focused short term technical training be developed to assist actors along value chain

• Inventory of availability of appropriate machinery and packaging material be prepared and made available to users-

Actions for development of the industry

• Association to dialogue with MFI and other funding agencies on modalities to access financial capital and collateral suitable for SMEs

CONCLUSION

• The wine industry in Tanzania is young and underdeveloped.

• The industry faces several challenges that require support for it to grow and significantly contribute to national development

• Enabling policies that support various action along the value chain may enhance growth