Published: 29 April 2014

Tobacco sales recorded a 5 percent increase raking in close to $320 million compared to $303 million sold during the same period last year.

According to latest figures from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, 99,7 kilogrammes of tobacco have so far been sold.

This figure is 12 percent higher than the 81,6 million kgs sold during the same time last year.

Out of the nearly 100kgs sold so far, a total of 69,3 million kgs worth $232,9 milion was sold from contract sales while 30,3 million kgs worth $86,8 million came from auction sales.

The tobacco selling season opened on a low note with the green leaf fetching below $2 per kg.

However, a kilogramme of the golden leaf this season fetched an average of $3,21 compared to $3,72 per kg during the same period last year.

Contract sales were fetching $3,36 per kg while auction sales received $2,86.

Tobacco Sales Floor handled 15,1 million kg worth $44,8 million in the period under review while Boka Tobacco Floor handled 7,4 million kgs. Premier Tobacco Floor handled 7,7 million kg worth $21,6 million.

To date, more than 63 892 bales have been rejected compared to 62 176 bales rejected last year.

Zimbabwe is targeting 180 million kgs of tobacco this year.
- BH24

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