In a quest to incorporate the best international standard product and diversify from the export market, the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) has introduced family retail packs – tailor made for the local market.
According to the BMC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Akolang Tombale, Batswana will now have access to British Retail Consortium certified high quality beef products, which could be traced right to the owner of the cattle. The new family retail products which were launched at Sefalana Hyper Store, comes in packages of 2.5kgs and consist of oxtail, stewing beef, brisket, loin to mention but a few.
The move by BMC follows concerns over the uncertainties emanating from the British exit from the European Union, commonly referred to as the Brexit. However, Head of Communications at BMC, Brian Dioka said the state owned meat agency does not anticipate any immediate negative outcome on local beef export due to Brexit.
Tombale said the BMC was also on a drive to diversify its market and was looking into exporting to Nigeria and Ghana. As for butcheries that expressed concern that the retail packs would affect their profitability through competition, Tombale quashed those sentiments and assured them that they will not be affected. He, however, said Batswana were entitled to the best meat products.
The Botswana government chief spokesperson, Dr Jeff Ramsay also said it is too early to speculate on whether Botswana will seek a fresh trade deal with the UK from the exit.
