ADDIS ABABA – Nation is benefitting from the sharp improvement of ‘Injera’ export. The performance has shown an increment with annual income of over 15 million USD, according to Ethiopia Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical Development Institute.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Institute Deputy Director General Bekele Mekuria said that following the popularity of the food and solid consumers’ demand to it from abroad, exporting Injera to international markets is becoming a growing business. As a result the hard currency the country earns from the industry is mounting.
“Teff is gluten-free and rich in nutrients,” he added, “The country has developed national Injera standards in 2017. The standard has paved ways to ensure export quality and enhance its commercialization,” he said. The Institute has put mandatory measures for exporters to exercise good manufacturing practice in bid to revamp export performance and supply standardized quality products to destination countries like USA, Canada, European and Middle East nations.
“Currently, over 15 exporters are operational and the Institute is working with all stakes to materialize the efforts”, he noted. Mentioning that all exporting enterprises are being certified the Director said that the Institute is assisting them in ways how they could apply Food Safety Management System, creating market linkage with raw material producers including cooperative unions.
According to Bekele, the industry (Injera when compared with other sectors is not capital intensive. Thus, efforts should be exerted to strengthening the industry for its economic impact is huge for smallholders and the greater Ethiopian economy. Food Export Enterprise General Manger Tewedros Asres for his part said that the Institute is assisting the enterprises in various forms ranging from offering trainings for members to creating market linkages.
“And hopefully, it will keep on as the support enables the exporters create differences in ensuring productivity and quality. As to him, his Enterprise produces from 4000 to 5000 Injera per day. However, power outage and workplace challenges are hindering them not to realize the goals they set. According to him, if nation should benefit from the industry, all pertinent stakes should work in ways to improve the industry. At present, he exports Injera to Norway and USA.
The Ethiopian Herald, March 27/2019
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
