Have you ever wondered about the journey your food takes before reaching your plate? At Rohi Company, we believe in transparency about our supply chain and production processes. In this post, we take you behind the scenes to follow the journey of our signature banana crisps from the farms of Mbeya to consumers' tables.
Step 1: Cultivation
Our journey begins in the lush banana plantations of the Rungwe and Busokelo districts in Mbeya, Tanzania. Here, our network of smallholder farmers, predominantly women and youth, cultivate bananas using sustainable farming practices. The region's rich volcanic soil, adequate rainfall, and favorable climate create optimal conditions for growing flavorful, nutrient-rich bananas.
We work closely with farmers to ensure they implement practices that maintain soil health, conserve water, and minimize environmental impact. Many of our farmers use organic methods, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in favor of natural alternatives.
Step 2: Harvesting and Selection
When the bananas reach optimal ripeness, they are carefully harvested by hand. Our agricultural extension officers work with farmers to identify the perfect harvesting time to ensure the best flavor and texture for our crisps.
Not all bananas make the cut for our premium crisps. We select only those that meet our strict quality standards, looking for appropriate size, ripeness, and absence of blemishes or damage. This selection process ensures consistency in our final product.
Step 3: Transportation
Once harvested and selected, the bananas are carefully packed to prevent bruising and transported to our processing facility. We've optimized our logistics to minimize the time between harvest and processing, ensuring maximum freshness.
Our transportation partners are local businesses, creating additional employment within the community. We've invested in training for proper handling techniques to maintain the quality of the bananas during transit.
Step 4: Processing Facility
At our processing facility, the bananas undergo thorough washing to remove any field debris. They are then inspected again for quality assurance before moving to the preparation stage.
The bananas are peeled by hand, allowing for precise quality control and creating employment for local workers. The peeled bananas are then sliced to a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: The Magic of Processing
Our banana crisps are processed using a method that preserves the nutrients and natural flavors of the fruit while creating the perfect crispy texture. We've refined this process over years of experimentation to achieve the ideal balance of flavor, nutrition, and texture.
For our classic banana crisps, we use a proprietary low-temperature drying technique that maintains more nutrients than traditional high-heat methods. For flavored varieties, we add only natural ingredients and spices, avoiding artificial additives.
Step 6: Quality Control
Quality is paramount at Rohi Company. Our team conducts rigorous checks throughout the production process, but the final products undergo additional scrutiny. We assess color, texture, moisture content, and flavor to ensure every batch meets our standards.
We also conduct regular laboratory testing for food safety, checking for any potential contaminants and verifying nutritional content. Only products that pass all quality checks move on to packaging.
Step 7: Packaging
Our banana crisps are packaged in materials selected for both functionality and sustainability. The packaging is designed to maintain freshness and protect the crisps from moisture while minimizing environmental impact.
Each package is labeled with batch information for traceability, nutritional information, and the Rohi Company story. We're proud of our product and want consumers to understand the care that goes into creating it.
Step 8: Distribution
From our facility, packaged crisps are distributed to retailers across Tanzania and, increasingly, to international markets. We partner with distributors who share our commitment to quality and efficiency, ensuring our products reach consumers in optimal condition.
Step 9: Consumer Experience
The final and most important step in the journey is when our banana crisps reach consumers. Whether enjoyed as a nutritious snack, paired with other foods, or used as an ingredient in recipes, we take pride in providing a product that delights while supporting sustainable agriculture and community development.
Full Circle: Reinvestment
The journey doesn't end with consumption. A portion of the proceeds from our banana crisps sales is reinvested in farmer training, community development programs, and environmental initiatives, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits all stakeholders.
At Rohi Company, we believe that knowing where your food comes from and how it's produced is important. By sharing the journey of our banana crisps, we hope to strengthen the connection between consumers and the communities that grow and process their food. This transparency is part of our commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable food system.
