THE National Bakers’ Association of Zimbabwe has recommended that there be a variety on the weight of bread to cater for individual and small-to-medium bakers in the industry.
STEPHEN CHADENGA OWN CORRESPONDENT The association’s president, Givemore Mesoemvura, said small players in the industry were being disadvantaged when competing with big bakeries to produce the current standard 700g loaf of bread.
Under the current statutory instrument, bakers should produce 700g and 350g for a full and half loaf respectively.
“As an association we are requesting the introduction of a variety on the weight of bread products specifically 525g to create a niche market for individual and small-to-medium bakers,” Mesoemvura said at an Industry and Commerce ministry Trade Measures conference in Gweru yesterday.
Mesoemvura said the association’s recommendations were in line with similar practices being applied in neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Namibia.
He said the current bread market in the country is reflective of the 1989 statutory requirement position, an indication, he said, which showed progress in the bread industry was dormant.
Mesoemvura said the proposed new statutory instrument should create “democracy in the bread industry”.
“We should have a standard loaf weighing 700g, which should be labelled and certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, but in addition there should be introduction of a variation in weights.”
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Stakeholders at the conference, however, expressed concern on the bakers’ association recommendations saying there was danger of compromising bread standards.
Industry and Commerce minister Mike Bimha said his ministry was reviewing the Trade Measures Act in line with international standards of legal measurements.
“My ministry is currently reviewing the Trade Measures Act, which was last reviewed in 1996 and replace it with the Legal Metrology Act,” Bimha said in a speech read on his behalf.
He said whereas the repealed Act ensured consumer protection, among other key result areas, the new Act would result in protection of society in trade, health, safety and environment.
The conference was held under the theme “Transforming trade measures towards international standards and best practices”.
