By Millicent Njeri / Press Release
TechnoServe, a U.S.-based NGO providing business solutions to poverty, is calling for concept papers from small and medium-sized food processing companies in Tanzania to be considered for a technology and business skills transfer initiative with General Mills, the world’s 6th largest food processor with US $14 billion in revenue in 2009 and nearly 30,000 employees worldwide. Companies now have until February 1, 2010 to submit their concept papers.
The program is part of General Mills’ corporate social responsibility effort to share their knowledge with companies in Africa to help improve the local economy and food security and safety. TechnoServe, a global leader in agricultural value chain and private sector development, has partnered with General Mills to implement this program. The program aims to improve capabilities and performance of small and medium-sized food processing companies through the transfer of technical know-how in areas such as food formulation, process development, plant design and asset creation, packaging development, quality systems and procedures for food processing and food safety, ‘go-to-market’ operations, and business planning.
“What many SMEs in Tanzania lack are skills and knowledge that will allow them to grow their businesses and to be more competitive domestically and internationally,” said Hillary Miller-Wise, Country Director of TechnoServe Tanzania. “This is truly a rare opportunity for small and medium-sized food processors in Tanzania to gain invaluable guidance, training and technical know-how from one of the world’s leading food companies.”
“We are looking for companies that have the opportunity and commitment to grow, and see the value in learning from one of the best in the world,” Miller-Wise said.
In the selection process, special emphasis will be placed on companies whose growth could result in increased sales for smallholder farmers. About 10 companies will be selected to receive intensive technical assistance from General Mills and TechnoServe over a period of 1 to 2 years.
