harare24dmin 
By Harare 24 News Reporter
National Foods, one of Zimbabwe’s largest food manufacturers, is facing a critical supply challenge as its current maize reserves run dry, creating a significant gap between available stocks and production capacity.
The company presently holds about 100 tonnes of mealie meal stock, but has no maize in reserve to sustain its milling operations. With a daily production capacity of 480 tonnes, the company’s existing stock would last less than a day under normal market demand.
This development raises concern over the stability of mealie meal supplies, particularly in the southern region of the country, where National Foods plays a major role in distribution.
Industry analysts point to a combination of factors driving the shortfall, including constrained maize deliveries, logistical bottlenecks, and rising household demand. The shortage comes at a time when food security and affordability remain key issues for many families.
Government sources indicate that measures are under consideration to address the situation, including possible grain releases from the Strategic Grain Reserve and facilitating private-sector imports to cover the immediate gap. Stakeholders in the milling sector are also engaging to ensure that supply chains remain functional and disruptions are minimized.
While the situation is concerning, observers caution against alarm, noting that swift interventions could stabilize the supply chain. “The challenge is real, but coordinated action between government, millers, and farmers can mitigate the impact,” an industry expert told Harare 24 News.
For now, the focus will be on how quickly National Foods and its partners can secure maize deliveries to restore production to full capacity and ensure mealie meal remains available across the country.
