Khiri Chattaika Mwandama
Minister of Industry and Trade Sosten Gwengwe says the coming in on the market of Sangalala fun snacks crisps is a sign that the country has the capacity to add value to its locally produced agriculturl products for export.
Gwengwe made these remarks in an interview on Sartuday when Business Times wanted to find out from him plans by the government to help many producers establish small scale factories.
Lilongwe based Sangalala Fun Snacks trading as SSS Limited recently launched six varieties of crisps products in different flavours such as salted potato chips, paprika potato chips, moon crisps, jungle safari crisps, crunchy wheels crisps and alphabet crisps and are vailable in all leading shops throughout Malawi.
Said Gwengwe.”As government we are happy with the coming onto the market of the Sangalala fun snacks crisps as it shows that our agricultural produce can be a catalysts for industry boom. What ewe have seen is that there is an influx of small factories in our cities especially in Lilongwe value adding different varieties of agricultural products and this will help us reduce unemployment.”
The Minister said though Malawi’s population is growing at a very fast pace it is an opportunity for producers to increase production because a market of 19 million people needs various products and services on a daily basis.
Managing Director for the company, Salim Sakrani said their products are world class despite the fact that they are being sold at a very affordable price to suit the pocket of many Malawians.
Sakranis said the company has also reduced unemployment and is giving farmers an altenative market for their products especially irish potato.
“Though we are new on the market we have taken to the waters as a seasoned duck and we are heading into the right direction. When we have satisfied the Malawi market we will be headin g to Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia before venturing into the rest of Africa and beyond,” said Sakrani.
For a very long time the country has been importing various products including g crisps and it is hoped that the coming onto the scene of companies such as Sangalala will help change the trend.