Tea processors appeal for reduced packaging costs
DODOMA: OWNERS of tea processing factories in the country have appealed to the government to reduce packaging costs, saying the expenses contribute significantly to the high cost of production, making it difficult for local producers to compete in the market.
The appeal was made by Business and Marketing Manager of Afri Tea and Coffee Company, Mr Kassu Issa, during the commemoration of International Tea Day held in Dodoma.
Mr Issa said the high cost of packaging materials has been a major hurdle for manufacturers, calling on the government to intervene by exploring possibilities of cost reduction to make the sector more competitive.
“The tea market has been economically beneficial to the country. To expand the industry further, the government must consider key requirements that enable farmers, producers and consumers to cope effectively,” he said.
He further urged Tanzanians to prefer factory-processed tea that is regulated by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) over locally processed teas that do not meet health and safety standards.
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On his part, Marketing and Business Officer at A.K. Confectionary Company, Mr Nasoro Nasibu called on the government to intensify public education on the importance of tea consumption, beginning at school level, to help communities avoid non-beneficial beverages.
He also urged authorities to tighten control over the production of tea by informal processors, warning that their products may pose health risks to consumers.
“The government should take deliberate steps to educate schoolchildren on the benefits of consuming enhanced tea products. This is vital to protect the future generation from potential health hazards linked to unsafe, traditionally made tea,” he added.
Mr Nasibu also dismissed misconceptions that factory-processed tea contains harmful chemicals, saying such false beliefs risk discouraging consumers from using products that are safe and certified.
“Such misinformation can mislead the public and slow down efforts to promote quality tea consumption,” he noted.
