ETHIOPIA – Recent findings from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) have highlighted the untapped cultivation potential of the moringa crop in Ethiopia.
This discovery suggests a significant opportunity not only to enhance nutrition but also to bolster the country’s foreign currency earnings.
Senior Food and Nutrition Science Researcher, Endale Amare of EPHI, emphasized moringa’s substantial contribution to nutrition and food security during an exclusive interview.
EPHI has conducted extensive research on moringa in collaboration with UNIDO and other partners since 2018, resulting in the development of various moringa-based food products.
“Moringa, versatile in its usage, can be consumed in diverse forms ranging from a leafy vegetable akin to cabbage to powdered or liquid formats,” explained Endale highlighting the global popularity of moringa tea as a well-known beverage.
Addressing Ethiopia’s nutritional deficits, particularly in children, Endale stressed moringa’s richness in essential nutrients like calcium, zinc, and iron.
EPHI has devised complementary food for children by fortifying staple crops like maize, wheat, and rice with moringa.
Moreover, the global demand for moringa, abundant in protein, is increasing for its incorporation into various supplement foods.
Endale emphasized the need for expanding production and value addition on moringa crops to meet international demands, potentially enabling the country to earn foreign currency through exports.
“As there is demand, in the western countries, we need to expand the production as well as value addition on moringa crops in which the country can earn foreign currency by exporting the indigenous resource,” he said.
Moringa products market expected to grow at CAGR of 9.2%
The market for moringa products, driven by their nutritional content and health benefits, is projected to grow significantly.
According to Evolve Business Intelligence, the global Moringa Products Market size, valued at USD 5.1 Billion in 2022, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2033.
Moringa products encompass a wide range of offerings utilized across the food, beverage, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Major players in this market, including Moringa Pura Vida, Kuli Kuli Inc., Organic India Pvt Ltd., and Aayuritz Phytonutrients Pvt Ltd., leverage partnerships and collaborations to solidify their market presence.
Leaves, known for their rich nutrient profile, dominate the market among product types due to their high mineral and vitamin content.
The increasing interest in moringa products signifies a promising avenue for Ethiopia, emphasizing the need for expanded cultivation and value addition to capitalizing on this global market trend.
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