News
Tobacco sales 2026: higher volume, lower value than 2025
Zimbabwe’s tobacco marketing season had reached Day 127 as at 22 September 2026, with the latest figures showing a larger crop marketed than at the same point in 2025, but considerably lower returns. The figures also highlight an important difference between the country’s two principal selling channels – auction and contract tobacco – with performance…
Read MoreZTA Office Bearers for 2026/27
At the ZTA Council meeting held on 16 July 2026 and in terms of Section 21 of the ZTA Constitution, the below were elected the new ZTA Office Bearers: ZTA President : Mr. Robert Millar – 0772 144377 ZTA Vice President : Mr. Richard Taylor – 0772 347459 ZTA Vice President : Mr. Dane Swemmer…
Read MorePreparing for the 2026–27 El Niño season: Variety selection for successful tobacco production
The forecast of a possible super El Niño during the 2026–27 agricultural season has understandably raised concerns among farmers across Zimbabwe. El Niño conditions are often associated with below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, high temperatures, and increased moisture stress factors that can significantly reduce crop productivity if farmers are unprepared. However, an El Niño forecast…
Read MoreEthical Sales Floor opens
Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector continues to evolve — and this week marked a significant milestone. The official opening of the Ethical Sales Floor auction facility by Ethical Holdings signals not only expansion in infrastructure, but growing confidence across the value chain. Now the country’s third licensed auction floor alongside Tobacco Sales Floor and Premier Tobacco Auction…
Read MoreTIMB sets stage for 2026 marketing season amid record output, global market pressures
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) says Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector is entering the 2026 marketing season on a strong but strategically cautious footing, with record production expected, structural reforms underway and renewed focus on quality in the face of global oversupply. Speaking at a pre-season media interface in Harare, TIMB Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel…
Read More2026 FCV Sales Procedures
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has released the official procedures governing the 2026 Tobacco Marketing Season, reaffirming the dual marketing system and introducing strengthened compliance, digital monitoring and enforcement measures. The 2026 season will operate under the established auction and contract system. • Auction sales commence: 4 March 2026 • Contract sales commence:…
Read More2025 tobacco marketing season grower payment modalities
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has established the payment structure for tobacco growers in the 2025 marketing season. According to the newly issued guidelines, growers will receive 70% of their payments in foreign currency while the remaining 30% will be paid in local currency (ZiG). In a statement release to industry stakeholders and grower…
Read MoreZTA Statement on RBZ Forex Retention Reduction
The ZTA is deeply concerned about the RBZ’s decision to reduce the forex retention threshold for exporters, and by extension, tobacco growers. Read our statement below
Read MoreZTA President’s year-end message
Dear Valued Member As the year draws to a close, many will look back on 2024 with mixed feelings. All too often I’ve heard it said that it is a year that we wish to put behind us and move on, for various reasons. Last season saw much needed price increases on the floors but…
Read MoreITGA Grower Survey
Dear growers, your assistance is sought in completing the International Growers Association, (ITGA) Growers Survey. This is being undertaken to help advance the interests of tobacco growers on the global stage (it should only take around eight minutes of your time).This is a very important initiative for the tobacco growing community and your participation is…
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