Personal care industry faces collapse

The personal care industry faces collapse and is currently operating at 15% capacity utilisation due to economic challenges, Personal Care Manufacturers' Association secretary Gabriel Vembe has said.

The personal care industry specialises in the manufacturing of consumer products in personal hygiene and for beautification including cosmetics, fragrances, skin care, nutritional supplements, and over-the-counter medications.

Speaking at the Buy Zimbabwe Retailers and Suppliers Conference in Harare on Tuesday, Vembe said the industry was now employing 300 from a high of 2 000 in 2012.

He said the sector had capacity to meet demand of the local market.

Vembe said there were 33 local personal care companies, but were being pushed out of business by the influx of cheap imports from the neighbouring countries.

He, however, appealed to the retailers to review its account payments dates to 30 days from the current 70-day schedule.