Our Main Products

Group Information

[Support from OVOP/JICA]
Juice extracting machine (MK200,000)
[Support from Other Organizations]
Malawi Environment Endowment Trust (MEET, Revolving fund for fresh fruits transport, World Univ. Services Volunteer (CANADA, construction of a factory and provision of equipment, MK3.7million), Denmark (2 ton truck with a cooling system)
[Contribution by members]
MK500/year
[Support by District Assembly]
Facilitates the Group to participate in the Agriculture Trade Fair. There are also interactions with Ministry of Trade and Industry Office.
[Background]
When the Association was registered in 1997 as trustees with an aim to increase the buying price of tangerines and oranges, it was not much successful because of the severe competition with middlemen. In order to add value to their products and utilize the materials at the peak harvesting period, the Group applied to OVOP and other donors and acquired processing facilities. The Association is also providing extension services (fruit tree plantation, pruning and grafting, etc.) to its members through MEET's financing, which constitutes an incentive for members to join the Association.

Strength and Opportunities

[Human Resources]
The Secretariat of the Executive Committee has been good at making proposals; the Association has successfully obtained various donors supports.
[Materials]
There is an abundant supply of oranges and tangerines in this area. Pet bottles are also available: MK11 for 250 ml and MK 17 for 500 ml.
[Production]
Production capacity is 100 liters per day. The technology is rather simple.
[Product]
Fresh squeeze juice (100%) is not bottled in Malawi except for this group. The taste is better than imported fresh juice. By putting sodium, the product lasts four months in the refrigerator and one month in room temperature.
[Market]
When sold at MK50 (250ml) at the International Trade Fair, the product was very popular and sold very quickly.
[Distribution]
The Group has recently bought a 2 ton truck with a cooling system through Danish support.
[MBS]
The Group has fulfilled approx. 60 to 70% of MBS requirements.

Challenges

[Materials]
The materials are available only between May and August. The factory is closed for the rest of the year.
[Market]
Many customers prefer to buy cheap soft drinks with fruit syrup (MK 30/250ml) or imported fresh juice. Although the group approached supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, their product was not accepted allegedly because it is not accredited by MBS.
[Production]
Due to the limited marketing opportunities, the current production level of the fresh juice for the last three months is only 700 liters.
[MBS]
The factory has not been able to fulfill MBS hygienic requirements because some items such as work suits are too costly for the current level of production.