Story by Tendai Munengwa
TOBACCO deliveries have surged in the opening week of the 2026 marketing season, generating US$28 million, a 14 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The season entered day six with contract deliveries exceeding nine million kilogrammes, while auction volumes rose to more than 900 000 kilogrammes, according to statistics released by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board.
Sam Garaba, spokesperson for Premier Tobacco Auction Floor, said the market had stabilised after initial concerns.
“During the first week, farmers were expressing concern over prices, and some cancelled their sales, and buyers were also coming in small numbers. This week, things have started to improve, prices firming grade by grade, and buyers have also increased from four to nine. We expect more, and we hope farmers will start to bring more quality leaf which can fetch good prices,” he said.
Helen Badza, spokesperson for Ethical Sales Floor, noted the correlation between improved prices and growing farmer confidence.
“We are happy that prices have increased since floors opened. As one of the floors with the highest average price, we expect deliveries to go up as farmers will go and tell others about the improvement in price,” she said.
This year, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has licensed 46 Class A buyers. Buyers not participating in the current season have been given a two-week ultimatum to begin purchases or risk losing their licences.
The early gains in the 2026 marketing season are seen as a positive signal for Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector, which remains a key contributor to foreign exchange earnings.
