The Mkondezi banana wine is white wine, which is neither too sweet nor too sour. It has a banana flavor which is not too strong. The wine is suitable during meals, barbecue or on its own. Alcohol content ranges from 11 to 12.5%.

Our Main Products

Group Information

[Support from OVOP/JICA]
Tools for wine production (buckets, thermometers, furniture, etc) by JICA (MK 200,000) A MK800,000 loan will be provided by OVOP for the construction of a new factory (currently under designing). Labels and bottles are also supplied by JICA (charged).
[Support from Other Organizations]
DEMAT (agriculture research center) provided training for wine making.
[Contribution by members]
Membership fee: MK500 /member / quarter
[Support by District Assembly]
DA supported the Association in preparing a proposal to OVOP.
[Background]
There has been locally-made wine from tea leaves in this area. DEMAT trained farmers for the production of banana while encouraging group formation. 3 bottles of wine (750ml x 3) is made from 1kg of banana (skinned), 2liters of water and 1kg of sugar.

Strength and Opportunities

[Human Resources]
Members are committed to wine brewery; most of membership fees and profits are saved or invested. After the international trade fair, profit (labor cost) was distributed to all members (MK1,500 x 10) for the first time.
[Materials]
There is abundant supply of banana in the area throughout the year. Material cost is low, estimated to be MK 164 /bottle (MK115 for material + MK39 for bottle)
[Product]
The product is quite original, thus attracts various customers. Among others, the production site is close to a touristic area: Nkhatabay.
[Production]
The mild climate (temperature and rain) enables consistency in the quality of wine. The current production capacity is 1,000 to 2,000 bottles / month (with 10 buckets of 6 liters and 10 buckets of 20 liters). By shifting wine from one bucket to another, the sediment is removed from the wine.
[Market]
OVOP has purchased most of the product (200 bottles in 2007, mostly at the 10-day trade fair)
[Quality Control]
A lady member is responsible for the inspection of raw materials as well as quality control in the production. She also tastes the final product to make sure of the consistent quality. Hygienic standard is maintained.
[MBS]
The Group has sent an application to MBS, waiting for their visit.

Challenges

[Package]
Since recycled glass bottles do not attract customers, especially local pubs and restaurants. Plus, glass bottles are too fragile to transport a long distance.
[MBS]
Restaurants and lodges in Nkhatabay do not accept the wine without the accreditation of MBS.