For more than 25 years, Nhimbe Fresh Exports has been at the forefront of fostering sustainable growth throughout Africa. This Zimbabwean company, founded in 1996, has gone beyond just being a significant exporter of premium vegetables to become a powerhouse in the agricultural sector.
The company, formerly known as Mitchell & Mitchell Fresh Exports, was the largest packhouse in Sub-Saharan Africa from 1997 to 2003. The company faced challenges after Tesco's withdrawal from Zimbabwe in 2008, leading to the liquidation of the EPZ business in 2009. In 2009, Rollex SA and Ngepi Trust formed Rollex Zimbabwe, which introduced a freight forwarding facility at Harare airport. In 2012, Rollex sold its shareholding in South Africa and Zimbabwe to Lonrho plc, forming Lonrho Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd. The company was acquired by Swiss-based Horizon 21, delisted from the LSE, and rebranded as Nhimbe Fresh Exports in 2016. Despite a challenging start, this company has maintained its long-standing presence.
With an emphasis on empowering local communities, Nhimbe Fresh Exports has become Zimbabwe's second-largest employer, not only providing jobs but also implementing market strategies to combat food waste and promote sustainable practices. Dr. Edwin Masimba Moyo, the visionary CEO, believes that true change in Africa must originate from within, benefitting both the continent and the global economy.
Dr. Moyo and his international experience in structural financing, along with strategic assistance, have helped him establish Nhimbe Fresh Exports as an industry leader. His vision goes beyond profit; he believes that genuine change in Africa originates from within, creating a ripple effect that benefits both the continent and the global economy.
Nhimbe Fresh Exports operates on Rakodzi, Sable Range, and Churchill farms, strategically located 70 km east of Harare. Situated at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 meters above sea level, these farms boast well-developed infrastructure, including dams, irrigation, and a dedicated 33kVa electricity supply. The result is a variety of products, including blueberries, raspberries, peas, tobacco, seed maize, crisping potatoes, and juicing tomatoes, catering to both international and domestic markets.
“Our focus is on growing healthy eating habits and providing affordable, sustainable products like blueberries, strawberries, and broccoli,” explains Dr. Moyo. “We aim to foster good lifestyles, healthy eating habits, and environmentally friendly practices.”
A noteworthy achievement for Nhimbe Fresh Exports is securing exclusive rights to grow United Exports' Oz Blu range of low-chill blueberry varieties in Zimbabwe. This enhances the company's profitability while aligning with its commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Beyond job creation, Nhimbe Fresh Exports addresses poverty in sub-Saharan Africa by empowering small-scale farmers as outgrowers for their export markets. This transformation has turned these farmers from poverty-stricken and unbanked individuals into contributors with disposable incomes. The positive impact extends to economic development in these communities, attracting essential services and infrastructure.
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