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Tinashe Makichi Business Reporter
The bakery industry has expressed concern over delays in the supply of yeast in recent weeks, saying this will likely cause bread shortages in the country in the coming weeks if the problem persists. The bakery industry currently gets yeast from the sole yeast manufacturer, Anchor Yeast, but due to challenges, the company has not been able to timeously supply the product to the bakers.

Anchor Yeast chief operating officer Mr Muvirimi Kupara yesterday, however, denied that there was a shortage but said there have been delays in the supply of yeast to the bakers due to molasses shortages.

He said Hippo Valley had run out of molasses, which is one of the most important ingredients in the production of yeast.

“The bakers were notified of the delays in the distribution of yeast because there was a blackout in molasses production at Hippo Valley and it is not true that there is a shortage of yeast in the country,” said Mr Kupara.

Last year Anchor Holdings lobbied Parliament for a three-year ban on yeast imports in a bid to save the business from collapse.

The company is losing $3 million in turnover per annum because of competition from imports from Zambia and South Africa.

Mr Kupara said despite the challenges, the company managed to supply six tonnes of yeast to Baker’s Inn.

The country requires 5 400 tonnes of yeast per annum and Anchor has installed capacity to produce 7 000 tonnes but is currently operating at 60 percent.

The company supplies yeast to the baking, brewery and ethanol industries. The acquisition of new equipment at Anchor Holdings is set to increase the company’s annual production to 10 000 tonnes to ensure it adequately supplies the local market as well as the export market.

But Baker’s Inn general manager Mr Felix Vhazhure insisted there has been yeast shortages and most bakeries have been forced to operate on a hand-to-mouth basis.

“Yes, we do have a challenge in terms of yeast supply and we are literally operating on a hand to mouth basis. What Anchor Yeast is providing is not enough,” said Mr Vhazhure.

National Bakers’ Association president Mr Givemore Mesoemvura confirmed that bakers have been facing challenges in getting yeast for their operations.

“Yes, there is a challenge in getting yeast and bakeries are running around to source but it has been difficult,” said Mr Mesoemvura.

Mr Kupara said molasses production had normalised and all delays had been averted with immediate effect.