• The process will start with bulk juice and tomato concentrates production.
• It will later move to retail products such as juices, jams, pickles, tomato sauce and canned products.
• Kalene Hills is currently conducting test runs of the various products.

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has said operationalization of Kalene and Katete Fruit Processing Plants in Mwinilunga and Katete districts respectively will take a phased approach.

Responding to a Press query sent by Money FM News, Corporation Head of Corporate Communication Namakau Mukelabai said the process will start with bulk juice and tomato concentrates production as well as mineral water, and later move to retail products such as juices, jams, pickles, tomato sauce and canned products.

Ms. Mukelabi stated that Kalene Hills is currently conducting test runs of the various products and once this is done, the staff will be seconded to Eastern Tropical Fruits in Katete to transfer their skills and knowledge of operating the hybrid technology at the two processing plants which is the first of its kind in Zambia.

“Following the commissioning of Kalene Hills Fruit Company in July 2022, the company underwent several obligatory stages required before commencement of full production. These included obtaining approvals related to food consumption and production; onboarding a food specialist with extensive knowledge on the hybrid technology. “
“The hybrid technology at the two processing plants is the first of its kind in Zambia with unique features of processing different types of fruits instead of the standard one line. Each product has specific permits and licenses which had to be secured before mass production,” Ms. Mukelabi stated.
She further said the Corporation is committed to fulfilling its mandate of setting up industries in rural areas and adding value to the local endowment, thereby creating sustainable jobs and wealth for the local people in line with the 8th National Development Plan.

“Kalene Hills Fruit Company in Mwinilunga and Eastern Tropical Fruits Company in Katete have been set up to add value to pineapples and citrus fruits and provide a ready market for the farmers,’’ she added.

Recently, Buy Zambia Campaign demanded for the immediate and full operationalization of the Kalene Fruit Processing Plant in Mwinilunga, Katete fruit processing factory and Chitambo Cassava processing facility as they have potential to reduce unemployment among young people.