Since its establishment in 2019, Mzuzu Dairy has transformed the dairy landscape in the Northern Region of Malawi. Founded by 34-year-old entrepreneur Denis Chitowe, the company has created a vital link between local dairy farmers and the market, providing a sustainable and profitable outlet for their milk produce.
Mzuzu Dairy sources milk from over 800 farmers and cooperatives in the region, processing it into, among others yoghurt, chambiko and fresh milk. The company’s processing plant in Luwinga, Mzuzu City, handles an average of 350 to 500 litres daily.
“We both sell on retail and wholesale while we also supply to top retailers such as Breadtalk and New Maddina. This does not only ensures a steady income for farmers, but also provides consumers with access to high-quality dairy products” said Chitowe
Meanwhile, he said the company has employed 17 full-time and part-time workers, apart from additional staff during packaging.
Mzuzu Dairy has become a significant employer in the region. However, the company faces challenges such as low raw material supply due to competition from vendors and limited market reach due to refrigeration requirements.
Undeterred, Chitowe aims at expanding Mzuzu Dairy’s reach nationwide and internationally by procuring long-life processing machinery.
He also plans to establish a model dairy farm to train farmers on modern dairy farming techniques and set up another processing unit in Lilongwe to tap into the central region market.
“Mzuzu Dairy is committed to empowering local farmers and contributing to Malawi’s economic growth. We believe in the potential of Malawi’s dairy sector and are dedicated to unlocking its full potential,” said Chitowe.
As the company continues to grow, Chitowe has planned to employ more people and engage more farmers in the whole country and outside.
Many youths in Mzuzu City have hailed Mzuzu Dairy, saying the company’s progress has potential to bail out many of them who are still struggling to secure job opportunities.
Yamikani Yezaya Mchengautuwa resident said that it is clear that Mzuzu Dairy is a shining example of innovative entrepreneurship and community impact in Malawi. With its focus on sustainability, quality, and community development, Mzuzu Dairy is paving the way for a brighter future for the country’s dairy industry.
Happy Mhone is one of the dairy farmers in Chigwere Nkhata bay who sells his milk to Mzuzu Dairy and says his life has been transformed greatly.
“I feel like vendors were betraying us, because they were the ones making profits not us, but not now no one in my village sells the milk to them, we sell to Mzuzu. I can’t lie, my life has changed,” he said.
