PFID/NP Senegal
Market Development 2008
First Quarter
An agreement was signed with growers to commercialize certified hibiscus through ASNAPP/AES channel. The harvest started at the end of November/ beginning of December 2007, the estimated yields for organically certified hibiscus is 25 metric tons and for the non-certified is 30 tons.
Samples of dark red and light red hibiscus were sent to private sector partners for evaluation. The quality of the hibiscus has been deemed acceptable and there are currently negotiations over product purchase.
Second Quarter
ASNAPP-Sengal participated in several meetings and workshops organized by USAID/CE relating to the Senegalese bissap industry during the 2nd quarter. On January 23rd in Kaolack ASNAPP participated in a general meeting of producers and buyers. On February 7th there was a national hibiscus workshop in Dakar, organized by USAID/CE in which the ASNAPP-Senegal team presented their work on the organic production of hibiscus (presented by Dr. M. Diatta); at a workshop in Ngor ASNAPP gave presentations on organic bissap and potential US markets. Our expertise and participation led to ASNAPP’s invitation to the planning committee of the newly formed Association of Bissap Processors and Exporters (ATEB).
ASNAPP/SEN sought sustainable market relationships with a network of local companies (Global Trade, SETEXPHARM, 3 S, and Saloman Gaye) and international buyers (Teekaane [Holland], Cape Natural Tea Products [South Africa], NOVOLUX [France], Vitalmine-A. Lauly [France], and Inproplant [Germany]).
The majority of the 2007/08 crop was sold through private sector partners with the remaining product selling on the parallel local market, often in smaller quantities for higher prices. In this way, ASNAPP has delivered reliable markets to partners by raising the quality and value of their product.
A portion of ASNAPP’s 2007/08 hibiscus was re-certified organic and two partners were Fairtrade inspected and certified. These developments portend considerable niche marketing potential for coming years.
Hibiscus being transported from the field after harvest..