Grape certification boosts market competitiveness

DODOMA: THE Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) emphasises that certifying grape products is vital for ensuring their quality and safety, boosting their competitiveness in both local and international markets.

The TBS Inspector in the Central Zone, Mr Domisiano Rutahala, stated that with certification from TBS, grape products can meet the required standards for export, gaining access to wider markets, especially in regions like East Africa.

“Certification builds consumer trust, as it guarantees that the products are safe, reliable and of high quality, which is crucial for the growth of the grape industry and for securing long-term economic benefits for producers and entrepreneurs,” he said during the Dodoma International Grape Investors Expo held at Mashujaa Grounds in Dodoma recently.

Mr Rutahala described the expo as a crucial opportunity for the bureau to educate manufacturers, especially entrepreneurs, on the benefits of certifying their products with the TBS quality mark.

He explained that through the expo, held under the theme ‘Grapes: An Investment Opportunity and a Catalyst for National Development,’ TBS provided guidance on the certification process.

He emphasised that TBS is a business-friendly institution working closely with entrepreneurs, with the government allocating funds to provide this service for free.

“The government, through TBS, offers free product quality certification services for entrepreneurs,” he said.

Mr Rutahala noted that Dodoma is the only region in Tanzania that produces grapes, with most grape-based product manufacturers located there, particularly entrepreneurs.

He expressed confidence that following the expo and the education provided, many would seek certification for their products.

He clarified that to qualify for free TBS certification, entrepreneurs need a letter of introduction from SIDO (Small Industries Development Organisation), after which the process begins.

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Once certified, Mr Rutahala said, the TBS quality mark would enable them to sell their products in various markets locally and internationally, ensuring they compete on equal footing rather than being sidelined.

He highlighted the East African Community (EAC) agreement that allows products certified by a national standards body to be accepted across member countries without additional testing, calling it a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to access international markets.

“Our emphasis to manufacturers, especially entrepreneurs, is to avoid producing uncertified products. Without TBS certification, they risk missing out on regional and international markets,” he stressed.

“We do not want entrepreneurs to be sidelined in the market by producing substandard products, which is why the government invests heavily in certifying their products,” Rutahala added.

The Seniour Quality Control Officer at TBS, Ms Sifa Chamgenzi urged consumers to ensure they purchase TBS-certified products and carefully read the product information on packaging.

“We advise Tanzanians to carefully read the information on packaging to ensure they buy TBS-certified products and check their expiry dates,” Chamgenzi said.