MARKUP Transforms Spice Company in Tanzania

Initially, Viridium TZ Ltd, a spices company in Morogoro, Tanzania only did pulses. Today, the company has not only expanded its operations, but has also become one of the largest cardamon processor in East Africa, thanks to the support and exposure through MARKUP.

Viridium TZ Ltd started engaging with MARKUP in 2018. The company was considering moving into cardamon as global demand remained high, but production had plunged significantly. MARKUP brought international experts in cardamon to train interested producers in Tanzania, and organised other events to bring them face to face with buyers.

Viridium staff attended various trade exhibitions in France and Germany, during which new business partnerships were forged. Expertise was provided to refocus the company’s business strategy towards exports, including training farmers in Good Agricultural Practices and advice on the right machinery. Today, Viridium TZ Ltd does up to 750 tonnes a year - a major break-through after two years in the value chain - and exports spices mainly to the EU and the Middle East.