[2008-09-24]  BATU told to go organic
GGAGAWALA Wambuzu, the trade state minister, has asked the British American Tobacco (BATU) and other partners to invest more in organic products for export.

“I appeal to British American Tobacco to invest in organic products and also encourage other partners on board because there is ready market in the European markets,” said Ggagawala. He made the remarks during the tour of the BATU factory on Jinja Road in Kampala.

The minister was impressed with the standard of the factory. “You need to apply organic standards in your processes.

“This will enhance your market and other local products,” the minister said.

He received a dummy cheque for sh5m towards this year’s Uganda Export Promotions Boards Presidential Awards ceremony.

Ricardo Fonseca, the BATU managing director, listed unethical competition and illicit trade as the major problems facing the sector.

He disclosed that the company lost sh3b to the exchange rate market fluctuations.

The company, however, increased its export sales volumes from $33.7m in 2006 to $60m last year.
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