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The Sunday Mail 

20 January 1985 

TWO Masvingo businessmen, Mr Mike Willmore and Mr Reg Rice, recently established a $200 000 pure fruit juice factory. 

At present, Sunsplash is processing orange juice supplied in bulk concentrate from Mazowe, but Mr Willmore hopes to introduce granadilla, guava and pineapple juice later in the year. 

The juice is reconstituted and processed in large tanks, then fed into double walled plastic bags through stainless steel conduits and pneumatically controlled fillers. 

All packaging materials are made locally except for plastic valves, but plans are being made to have them manufactured here soon. 

Each carton of juice contains three litres and sells for about $4,50 and a smaller quantity of 200ml is also available in free-standing aluminium foil containers. The factory has a fully-equipped laboratory to ensure that quality is maintained. The juice is given a six-month shelf life so that the manufacturers can distribute it on a national and international basis.

LESSONS FOR TODAY 

 When big cities like Harare and Bulawayo fail to attract meaningful investment that would result in infrastructure development, job and wealth creation for the nation, chances are that smaller towns would struggle to do the same.

 Failure to invest in the manufacturing industry means lack of job opportunities, for young people especially. 

 This results in poverty and delinquent behaviour such as criminal conduct, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancies, abortions, sexually transmitted infections and early deaths.

 Eating healthy foods is important and leads to a healthy nation. 

 As the National Development Strategy 1 is operationalised, more small to medium entrepreneurs should be supported with capital, so that they invest in food production plants for local and international consumption.  

 The 2020-2021 rainy season has been good for the country and should result in bumper harvests in every crop. Value addition and beneficiation of the harvested crops should be put into effect for the good of the nation.