Manyika was speaking in an interview with StandardLife&Style just after the festival which ended last weekend. The two-day edition which was held at the Round Table in Belgravia saw a number of food and beverage producing companies exhibiting at the festival.
She said she was happy with the progress, however slow, because they learnt a lot of things at this year’s edition. “I am happy with progress regardless of the low turnout. We had a number of logistical glitches that saw us changing venues twice and that should have dealt us a blow as people tend to get confused when something like that happens,” said Manyika.
“Zimbabwe is dying for an event like this and we are happy that the initiation worked. There have been a lot of other smaller events but we are targeting a great event in this line.
“There are a lot of chefs here and a lot of good food and beverages. We have to show consumers in and outside the country that we are proud of our products.
“At Nederburg, South Africa’s biggest wine brand, there is a Zimbabwean winemaker, Tariro Masaiti. We want our event to present a platform for the food and winemakers, consumers and traders to interact. There are numerous restaurants locally that are willing to participate and I am convinced that next year’s edition will certainly be bigger and better.”
Manyika said the other factor that could have dealt them a heavy blow was timing. She said they had held the event when most food and beverage producers are busy planning for the festive season.
“We are planning to hold the event end of August or around that time, which I feel is more appropriate. Next year I am sure the festival will be bigger.”She paid tribute to Hiff’s partners whom she says have been supportive all the way.
“I would like to pay gratitude to Volsec Security, Nando’s, Cheeseman, A’ Zambezi, The Standard, our official media partner and Jobs Inc, the company that organised the event.”
