Zimbabwe’s tobacco value-addition drive is set to receive a boost from a local cut-rag processing facility with an annual production capacity of approximately 30 million kilogrammes, according to information contained in the company’s latest profile.
The facility, identified as CRP, is positioned as a specialised cut-rag processing operation serving the tobacco industry, with its operations focused on leaf blending and tobacco processing.
The company says the facility was designed with future expansion in mind and is intended to support Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 objectives by increasing the level of value addition in the tobacco sector.
According to the profile, Zimbabwe currently derives about 2% value addition from tobacco, while the facility is targeting an increase to 30%.
The development comes as Zimbabwe continues to promote beneficiation and local processing of raw commodities as part of efforts to increase export earnings and retain more value within the domestic economy.
CRP says its facility has the capacity to process approximately 30 million kilogrammes of cut rag annually, potentially creating additional opportunities for tobacco processing and export.
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The company also provides leaf blending services, using what it describes as in-house blend generation and matching capabilities to select and combine tobacco according to customer specifications and taste profiles.
Its tobacco processing operations use Zimbabwean tobacco, including handpicked leaf, for natural and flavoured blends.
CRP further states that it has achieved ISO certification, which it says strengthens its focus on consistent quality, reliable processes and internationally recognised standards across its operations.
The company profile highlights more than 25 years of industry experience among its team and presents the facility as a Zimbabwe-built operation targeting both domestic and export markets.
The facility’s export orientation comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to move beyond the traditional export of unprocessed agricultural commodities and increase the contribution of value-added products to the economy.
CRP says it is available to handle cut-rag and tobacco export enquiries, with its operations geared towards production and export requirements.
The company’s profile describes the facility as “Africa’s leading cut rag processing facility”, a claim made by the company itself.
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