The Ariston Holdings Limited group is focused on improving product quality, while also increasing volumes in the export market and boosting foreign currency earnings. According to the group, early indications on macadamia production volumes and quality are showing an improvement.
Although dry spells experienced in October last year delayed the start of the current year's tea harvesting, improvements have been noted since November 2022 and production levels are now on an upward trajectory. Additionally, the group is also banking on the projected normal to above-normal rainfall this year, which is expected to enhance production volumes.
The harvest of macadamia nuts begins in March hence the minimal production levels. The volumes for early drop macadamia nuts were 91 percent ahead of the prior comparative period. Other products consist of potatoes and bananas. Banana production volumes rose 14 percent above the prior comparative period due to the heavier rains received in the current period. In the current period, planting of potatoes was delayed to avoid losses normally experienced when the fields are too waterlogged for potato harvesting.
Source: herald.co.zw