Zimbabwe: Savanna to Expand Distribution Network

Source from:  The Herald (Harare) December 27, 2006 12/31/2006

SAVANNA Tobacco has embarked on a programme to aggressively pursue its strategy to become the country's first choice cigarette brand in a move designed to enhance its market share The tobacco company is doing this through extending its distribution network throughout the country. A company official said they were currently engaged in consolidation strategies to ensure that the market was adequately serviced and this was being implemented through comprehensive distribution channels. "We are planning to introduce sales agents who will deliver the product to the market using bicycles as their mode of transport," said the official. The marketing strategy, having proved highly effective in areas such as ice-cream delivery, would not only bring the product to the consumers, but would create employment for a significant number of people. "Given today's economic challenges, this bicycle sales agents initiative will have a positive impact on many families. "The only way to gain economic freedom is to empower individuals to create wealth for themselves. As such, this initiative is the beginning of economic independence for the individuals involved," the official added. Initially, the programme would cover Harare only, extending to other cities and towns throughout the country over the next six months. It would commence with 20 bicycle sales agents but the roll-out would continue until the number reaches 100. Currently Pacific cigarettes are distributed through the mainstream channels, namely supermarkets, kiosks, grocery stores and convenience stores, and this is undertaken by vehicle van salespersons. Since its establishment in 2002, Savanna has been innovatively asserting itself in an industry that was previously dominated by big multinational firms. The company is now recognised on the local market as a reputable cigarette manufacturer through its world-class Pacific brand, packaged as Pacific Breeze, Pacific Storm, Pacific Mist and Pacific Blue. Two of the brands -- Pacific Blue and Pacific Storm -- recently won silver and bronze medals respectively at the internationally acclaimed Mode Selection Awards in Belgium. Savanna was one of eight African firms as well as being the only cigarette manufacturing company from the continent to get recognition at this year's awards. Enditem