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The Herald, April 6, 1983

BIASED overseas Press reports which had been threatening tobacco exports to Europe were successfully countered by the Zimbabwe Tobacco Association president, Mr Tuppy Wrench, who returned from a “mission of defence” yesterday. 

Mr Wrench was forced to fly out on March 11 as traditional customers had been ruffled by negative reports casting doubt on Zimbabwe’s ability to meet demand.

He told the customers that the current security situation would not spread and that the future of the Mashonaland based tobacco industry would remain intact. 

“There is no doubt that the overseas Press paints a picture that does not always portray a correct balance of the situation in Matabeleland,” he said. 

“I was at pains during my trip to say we recognise there is a problem in Matabeleland, the Government is doing its best to overcome it.” 

He believed most tobacco people now understood the security situation and that to a large degree his reassurance satisfied “a feeling of concern” they had. 

Manufacturers were also assured that as a result of sufficient pain in some areas, a recent Tobacco Marketing Board probe showed 80 to 85 percent of the crop fell in the good to middle quality grade. 

As 93 million kg were expected this season, there would be enough to meet all traditional market demands, plus a balance of lower quality for those requiring that part of the crop. 

“In Britain, I was encouraged by the increasing amount of our tobacco being used in their blends. We now supply about 23 percent of their requirements. 

“Manufacturers showed a willingness to continue increasing this usage, providing our prices and qualities are competitive with their alternative sources.” 

Mr Wrench also met traditional customers in Belgium, Holland, Norway, Denmark, France, Switzerland and West Germany. 

He said they were happy with tobacco from Zimbabwe and had promised they would continue to support the source as far as their lower cigarette consumption confines permitted. 

Cigarette manufacturers in West Germany were experiencing “a phase of a massive price war”, posing problems for Zimbabwe which is anxious to know the quantity of quality tobacco that the market would need. 

He dispelled fears on whether Zimbabwe would remain competitive and – particularly against Brazil by pointing out that it has been put in a “far stronger position” by the recent devaluation and realignment of its dollar with the American dollar. 

He found that a glut of Virginia tobacco on the world market would force manufacturers to be selective in their purchases. 

Last season, Zimbabwe exported 85 545 000 kg of Virginia, representing 96 percent of the total yield. 

“I came away from Europe with a firm impression that there will be a good demand for our tobacco and that it will be sold at very competitive prices overseas despite an increase in local production costs,” he said. 

There will be 13 licensed buyers at the auction floor sales starting in Harare today.

LESSONS FOR TODAY 

Tobacco remains one of the country’s top foreign currency earners after gold and is destined to remain so for years to come. 

 Production has grown astronomically over years with a record crop of 252 million kg being produced in 2019. 

 The sector needs to be protected from negative reports that might impact on production such as the anti-smoking lobbyists. 

 While their reasons are valid due to the negative impact of smoking, there is need to strike a balance between the health issues and the livelihoods of farmers, workers and companies within the tobacco value chain, as well as countries like Zimbabwe that rely on the crop to raise much-needed foreign currency.

Organisations like the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board need to walk their talk on clamping down on issues like child-labour and side marketing that are threatening to decimate the industry.

This year’s tobacco season which opened on Wednesday last week appears to have started well with firming prices although volumes might be lower due to erratic rains.