Known for their rich wines made from Malawi’s finest fruits, Linga Wines has now sweetened the local market with an exciting twist, handmade tangerine marmalade.
The Lilongwe-based company, launched in 2006, is proudly making waves not just in glasses but now on breakfast tables too.
After facing a tough hit due to a 95% excise tax that disrupted wine production late last year, Linga Wines was forced to adapt.
But instead of folding, they flourished, rediscovering a hidden gem in their business model.
“The company title is Fine Foods and Winery, so we always saw the possibility of diversifying. Shoprite’s manager actually told us there was demand but no supply for marmalade. That’s when we decided to go all in,” shared Managing Director Margaret Ngwira.
The result? A zesty, completely handmade tangerine marmalade that has already won the hearts (and taste buds) of many.
“The customer response has been hugely satisfying. People are giving us high praise. The formula is unique and makes it taste so fresh,” said Ngwira.
What makes this product even more special is its origin, 100% locally sourced fruits from smallholder farmers in Dedza, Lilongwe, and Kasungu. These farmers, Ngwira notes, are producing fruit that not only meets standards but often surpasses imported alternatives.
“We’re so impressed with the quality. It’s one of our proudest achievements, working directly with local growers,” he said.
Still, like any natural product, challenges remain. Ngwira admitted that the seasonal fruit supply will always be tricky, especially these tangerines that are now in season.
“We have three freezers to help, but it’s going to be a learning curve. We’re doing our best to stretch it,” said Ngwira.
Despite the hurdles, the company’s approach to value addition in the fruit market is a clear model of resilience and innovation.
Ngwira encourages more investors to explore the sector as a way to boost Malawi’s export potential and create meaningful jobs.
From tangy tangerines to sweet success, Fine Foods and Winery is proving creativity and a love for local produce is a game changer and a win-win situation for the company as well as farmers that supply the raw materials which are the fruits.
