IFAD awards PhytoTrade Africa grant

PhytoTrade Africa is very pleased to announce the approval of a new long
term Large Grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD), based in Rome. This grant covers the ongoing development of
PhytoTrade Africa's key activities in the southern African sub-region,
including the development of the Baobab, Devil's Claw and Mafura industries.

Reflecting the Association's ongoing commitment to ensuring that this trade
in indigenous plants is environmentally sustainable as well as commercially
viable, there is a further emphasis on business services as well as ongoing
market development.

John Cheesmond, PhytoTrade Africa's CEO said that "we are delighted that
IFAD, which has provided support for PhytoTrade since its inception in 2001,
has the continued confidence to maintain its investment with the Association
and the sector. PhytoTrade's ongoing commitment to improving the livelihoods
of poor rural producers through the sustainable and ethical trade in
indigenous plants has a clear influence on this decision."

Geoffrey Livingston, IFAD's Regional Economist for East and Southern Africa,
expressed his pleasure in the ongoing support provided by IFAD for
PhytoTrade. "This new facility for PhytoTrade reflects the strength of the
relationship that has been built up with the Association over the years and
the confidence within which IFAD sees its objectives being achieved in the
future".

WildFoods receives HACCP certification

WildFoods receives HACCP certification - http://eepurl.com/kh7Qz

Eden's Baobab smoothies make the news

The UK Daily Telegraph reports on the PhytoTrade Africa / Eden Project partnership as visitors at the Rainforest Biome find a rather unusual refreshment...

Entrepreneur breaks ground with Baobab products

Speciality Foods of Africa has set a new benchmark for Southern Africa's natural products industry by bringing Baobab products, wild fruit jams, herbal teas and a range of cosmetic oils including baobab, marula and mafura butter to the market. Managed by Zimbabwean entrepreneur, Nyarai Kurebgaseka, Baobab is the key focus of the Speciality Foods range.

"We really see Baobab as the next big thing" said Nyarai when we caught up with her in Harare recently. "We have a fantastic baobab tissue oil, the unique "Baobar" cereal bar and absolutely delicious baobab jam" she said. "There has been steady growth in the marketplace as more consumers become aware of these natural products" she continued. "We are working on a whole new range of exciting products including fruit juices, yoghurt, muesli, sweets and ice lollies. Our long term strategy is to diversify the range of products on offer so we can really ramp up volumes of natural products purchased from rural communities so we can really make a difference to their livelihoods" said Nyarai.

Baobab open for business

In the September issue of Soft Drinks International, the leading trade magazine declared Baobab open for business! Following the Novel Foods approval be the EC in 2008, the superfruit is now commercially available. Impag, the Organic Herb Trading Company and Plantextrakt are to be distributors, see Baobabsuperfruit.com for more information.