Tanzanian honey producers, represented by the Honey Exporters Association of Tanzania, are set to tap into the lucrative market of the United Kingdom (UK). Tanzania's High Commissioner to the UK, Mbelwa Kairuki, announced this exciting development to the Daily News on Saturday, revealing that the Tanzanian government aims to finalize agreements enabling the export of Tanzanian honey to the UK before the upcoming UK-African Investment Summit scheduled for April 23 to 24, 2024, in London.
At the recently concluded National Honey Show 2023 held at the Sandown Park Racecourse in Surrey City, UK, Tanzanian honey exporters made a significant impact. The Tanzanian pavilion attracted considerable attention from visitors, including Anne Princess Royal, sister of King Charles. Visitors were particularly impressed by the high quality of Tanzania’s honey.
Tanzania was the sole African country represented at the event. Samples of Tanzanian honey showcased by the Tanzania Honey Exporters Association received substantial demand. The honey, especially the black honey from regions like Tabora, was highly sought after, with 500-gram jars fetching up to 20 UK Pounds (over 60,000 Tanzanian Shillings).
Ambassador Kairuki praised the Tanzanian Honey Exporters Association for their participation, emphasizing the association's opportunity to learn about modern technologies available in the UK and other nations. He revealed that the association has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with UK stakeholders, ensuring capacity-building initiatives to enhance productivity and quality.
Encouraging Tanzanians to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), Ambassador Kairuki highlighted the scheme's benefits. Effective since June 19, 2023, DCTS simplifies trading rules, reduces tariffs, and supports the development of trading relationships between the UK and developing countries, offering Tanzanian businesses an advantage by reducing import costs.
In light of these advancements, local beekeepers like Mr. Victor Msoma from Kisarawe, Coast Region, praised the efforts of stakeholders. He emphasized the need for local capacity-building initiatives to enable the production of semi-finished honey-related products, ensuring that Tanzanians fully benefit from the expanding market opportunities.
Tanzania is also gearing up to host the World Congress of Beekeepers, scheduled for September 20 to 25, 2027, marking a significant milestone in the country's beekeeping industry.