DSE News Network
This week Mapfura wine released its limited edition 750ml Marula United Nations wine – and it immediately was a hit at the Executives Networking at Cedarwoods Lunch in Sandton.
Bottled in Zimbabwe in time for the Zimbabwe campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council 2027/2028, the wine has been described as the ideal bottle for every diplomat, and everyone with a taste for African affairs, as it combines a rich amarula flavoured beverage, and also as a symbolic product in the face of geopolitics and African matters at the UN.
Mapfura wine is a semi-sweet, 10% alcohol, premium white wine produced from indigenous marula (mapfura) fruit.
It was launched in 2022 and produced by the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA), which combines traditional brewing methods with modern technology, aiming for commercial and export markets while empowering local communities.
The wine is produced at a plant in Rutenga, Mwenezi district, which was established to add value to the abundant local marula fruit.
The wine is described as a semi-sweet white wine – but none the less with a 10% alcohol level, it is renowned for the punch and kick that is capable of knocking everyone out – until the next morning.
Mapfura wine is now listed among some of the flagship brands on the Zim liquor shelves, and is used to describe local sustainability and innovative sourcing of raw materials – as the fruit is wild-harvested by villagers in rural Masvingo, providing a source of income.
Mapfura wine is sold in local Zimbabwean retail outlets such as TM Pick n Pay stores, and the the initiative is part of a larger plan by the NBA to commercialise natural products, including producing Marula oil for the cosmetics industry and bio-fertilizers.
The project has transformed the local economy by creating jobs and establishing a formal market for the fruit, which was historically used only for traditional beer (mukumbi)
This week delegates at the Ambassadors and Executives Business Networking lunch that was hosted by Innovative Entrepreneurs at CedarWoods Hotel, Sandton had a chance to sample the wine, and the stand proved to be popular.
The Embassy joined other exhibitors from the Consulate of Botswana, Consulate of Malawi, Trade Office of Malaysia in Johannesburg, Ghana Embassy, BMW, Discovery Financial Services Provider, Reba Chemicals and Mammoth Group.
Zimbabwe’s stand showcased – amongst the Mapfura wines – a range of the country’s finest agro-processed food products such as the famous Mazoe cordial drink, Cerevita, Biscuits, Cookies, Jam and arts and craft.
Also on display was the country’s national fabric and promotional materials included flyers on Zimbabwe School of Mines, the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange and Zimbabwe’s Tourist Attractions Map.
“Mazoe and Cerevita proved to be popular among the visitors to the exhibition stand, which shows the mark that some of Zimbabwe’s products have made it in the South African market and beyond.
The Embassy will continue to take every opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s lucrative trade, tourism and investment opportunities as the country is geared towards the national strategic agenda towards, “Prosperous & Empowered Upper Middle Income Society by 2030,” said Edson Mazarire from the Zimbabwe Consulate trade mission.
