Do not relent on standards, MBS urges firms

Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has urged firms not to relent in sustaining standards to ensure that they prosper on the market.

MBS director of quality assurance services Steve Kamloni said this in Mzuzu on Friday when the bureau conferred awards on two companies, which define Malawi’s leading role in strengthening Mzuzu’s business culture for consistently upholding standards.

One of the winners of the quality certification awards is Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union Limited for ensuring its specialty honey and roasted ground coffee is always up to standard.

The other award went to Kentam Products Limited, a local manufacturer of medical drugs, which was recognised for manufacturing methlyted spirit which passed quality tests in 2015.

Also honoured was Kapata and Sangilo Sanctuary Lodge, which strive to provide quality lodging and catering services on the northern shoreline of Malawi.

Said Kamloni: “Let me take this opportunity to urge local businesses to remain focused and versatile to avoid falling off-track. Compliance with standards is important for companies to remain relevant.”

MBS has certified 501 local products so far, with 109 registered since February last year.

“More consumers know there are side effects to consuming substandard goods. The country will not achieve the dream of becoming a predominantly exporting economy without producing goods of international standards. Certification is a ticket to penetrate the international market,” he said.

Speaking after receiving the awards, an official from Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union Limited, Bernard Kaunda, said the feat is a testament to their undying commitment to meet the standards required by international consumers.

Nearly 95 percent of Mzuzu Coffee is grown by smallholder farmers in Chitipa, Rumphi and Nkhata Bay.

It is exported to Germany, United States of America, Britain, Japan and other destinations where it is one of the best.