Zimbabwe bakers warn bread prices could exceed $1

Zimbabwe’s bread industry warned that flour price increases will push loaf costs above one dollar and worsen inflation pressure on urban families. The National Bakers Association told Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu on Friday, Oct. 24, that a proposed 4% flour hike would add 2 cents to production costs and force immediate wholesale adjustments. Association President Elvis Ncube said flour represents 43 percent of manufacturing costs, while bakers lack the capacity to absorb additional burdens without threatening operations.

Bread ranks as the country’s second-most-consumed food, after maize meal for porridge. Producers absorbed rising fuel and electricity expenses throughout 2024 and 2025 while maintaining wholesale rates despite lost tax refunds after the government reclassified bread from zero-rated to exempt status. The Grain Millers Association’s proposal would trigger a 5-cent retail increase from Nov. 1, as consumers face currency instability and rising prices on basic goods.