WINE INDUSTRY IN TANZANIA: Discussion Points By Prof. Bendantunguka Tiisekwa (PhD) Food Scientist cum Technologist Dean, Faculty of Agriculture (SUA) and Director Morogoro Ben’s Winery

Wine is important ENHANCES Overall National Development- Increase income – several actors along the supply chain (limited participation in the Region) Nutritionally- provides some nutrients- energy Socially- interaction, networking, relaxation

Opportunities for increased contribution Suitable land and climate Emerging SME producing wine New consumer of wine Export potential

Challenges for industry Inadequate working technical knowledge of those involved in wine (oenologists) Unavailability of specialized technical staff Inability to pay for specialists Poor machinery and unavailability of processing facilities- small scale wine makers Inappropriate , not locally available

Challenges for industry (ctd) Unavailability of appropriate packaging materials- quantity and design Packaging in used (recycled bottles) Unaffordable price for packaging materials for small scale Inadequate capital and difficult access to credit – to meet business requirements Construction of suitable premises Product certification (TBS) and Premises and Product Registration (TFDA)

Challenges for industry (ctd) Conflicting product and labeling standards National vs Regional vs International standards Alcohol content (10-14% TZS, ≤ 14% (EAS), ≤ 14% (US), 6.5 -16.5 (Int. Stds.) –restrictive on low alcohol wines Requirement for Tannin content , Extract in the case of TZS

Actions for development of the industry Form wine makers association to chart out issues and interest and seek for necessary support, also to influence policy Focused short term technical training be developed to assist actors along value chain Inventory of availability of appropriate machinery and packaging material be prepared and made available to users-

Actions for development of the industry Association to dialogue with MFI and other funding agencies on modalities to access financial capital and collateral suitable for SMEs

CONCLUSION The wine industry in Tanzania is young and underdeveloped. The industry faces several challenges that require support for it to grow and significantly contribute to national development Enabling policies that support various action along the value chain may enhance growth