THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) and Propak Hessian Private Limited (Propak) have assured stakeholders and growers that there is no shortage of hessian sacks for the 2024/25 tobacco season, amid a temporary strain on availability.
Propak is a leading tobacco packaging supplier and distributor in Zimbabwe which supplies hessian.
In tobacco farming, hessian refers to coarse, woven sacks or sheets made from jute or sisal fibres, traditionally used to bundle and protect cured tobacco leaves during storage and transport.
These wraps help prevent damage from physical handling and environmental factors like moisture, dust or sunlight.
They are breathable, which allows air circulation and helps maintain the quality of the tobacco, especially during the critical phase between the curing barn and the auction floors or processing facilities.
In a joint Press statement yesterday, TIMB and Propak said there was adequate stock of hessian to meet the current seasonal demand.
“Propak the licensed supplier of hessian for the 2024/25 tobacco season wishes to assure all stakeholders, especially tobacco growers, that there is no shortage of hessian wraps,” Propak said.
“Propak has confirmed that there is adequate supply to meet the current seasonal demand, despite this being the peak of the marketing season.”
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The firm noted that the recent temporary strain on availability was due to increased demand, but that this was expected to normalise by the end of the week.
“A temporary strain on availability was noted due to increased demand, but this is expected to normalise by the end of the week. Propak has assured the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) of a seamless distribution,” the statement read.
“Additionally, returns from growers for recycling are anticipated within the next four to five weeks, which will further stabilise the situation.”
Both TIMB and Propak noted that this initiative is expected to support availability and stabilise the situation throughout the rest of the season.
“All bona fide tobacco growers can purchase the hessian at the following prices: Old hessian wraps at US$2,80 per wrap, new hessian wraps at US$3,30 per wrap,” the statement read.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco export earnings hit US$338,32 million as of May 9, driven by a near 8% increase in the average export price to US$6,20 per kilogramme.
As of May 12, a total of 169 896 354 kilogrammes of tobacco were sold, compared to 144 578 024 kilogrammes recorded during the same period last year.
The average price was US$3,39 per kilogramme.
