Salima-based honey cooperative posts K2.6m profit
Salima-based Chiluwa Honey Cooperative posted a profit of about K2.6 million last year out of 500 kilogrammes (kg) of honey sold. This is a jump from the previous year’s profit.
The 46-member group has since constructed a modern factory which when completed will enable the cooperative to get a pre-certification from the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).
In an interview in Salima last week, the cooperative’s chairperson Maganizo Maenje said they are convinced that by next year their products will be selling in local supermarkets.
He said: “Our group is vibrant, and so far this year, we have harvested over 318 kilogrammes of honey. Last year’s profit enabled us to buy land, mould bricks and construct the factory as demanded by the MBS.”
Maenje said the cooperative has been receiving support from Cooperazione International (Coopi) as well as Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (Smedi.
A member of the group, Binaya Naungwe, said despite making profit they also face challenges, especially when transporting honey.
Smedi spokesperson Mian Mpesi said they will continue to help cooperatives so that their products are accessed by many.
The group’s honey is named Jamme and a 550 grammes bottle is sold at K2 000, one litre at K4 000. Five litres sell at K15 000.
