TBS drives product quality for market growth
MWANZA: THE Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) is stepping up efforts to improve product quality and market access for local producers by providing standards guidance and certification support.
TBS Eastern Lake Zone Manager Happnes Kanyeka said during the Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition in Mwanza that the organisation was using the exhibition to educate stakeholders in agriculture, livestock and fisheries on the importance of meeting quality standards to enhance competitiveness and access wider markets.
He said entrepreneurs visiting the TBS pavilion were receiving guidance on product standards, registration requirements and procedures for obtaining the Quality Mark, which demonstrates compliance with established standards.
“The purpose of our participation is to provide education to stakeholders involved in agricultural, livestock and fisheries products so they can improve quality and increase the competitiveness of their products,” Mr Kanyeka said.
He said the initiative supported this year’s NaneNane theme, “Identify Markets, Increase Productivity to Implement Vision 2050,” by helping producers understand market requirements and prepare products for domestic and international markets.
Mr Kanyeka said once entrepreneurs identify potential markets, TBS assists them in obtaining the Quality Mark to improve product acceptance among consumers and buyers. The standards body is also providing guidance on registration of food and cosmetics premises, product registration and certification applications.
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He said stakeholders facing challenges or seeking information on standards services could obtain assistance directly from TBS officials at the exhibition.
Some entrepreneurs said the education had improved their understanding of certification and its role in building consumer confidence and expanding markets.
Malinya Food Product, a honey producer, said the information had encouraged the company to begin the process of obtaining the Quality Mark to improve access to local and international markets.
Eveline Nko, a processor of pilau spices and nutritional products, said lack of certification had sometimes limited market opportunities as some customers were hesitant to buy products without recognised quality assurance. The entrepreneurs urged other producers to comply with TBS requirements, saying certification would strengthen trust in Tanzanian products and improve competitiveness at home and abroad.
