By Melody Korongwe
Poultry farming is a lucrative business, but success depends not only on quality production but also on effective marketing. Many farmers struggle to find reliable buyers, maintain profitability, and expand their customer base.
To gain insights into successful marketing strategies, we spoke with Mrs. Matimbe, a local poultry farmer who has built a thriving business through smart marketing.
“Start by reaching out to local markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and even schools. Many businesses prefer locally sourced poultry because it’s fresher and supports the local economy,” said Mrs. Matimbe.
Local farmer Mr. Dube echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of consistency in supply: “Shops and restaurants want reliability. If they know they can count on you to deliver fresh poultry on time, they’ll keep buying from you.”
“For businesses to thrive in today’s digital era, having an online presence is vital. By utilizing social media platforms, I’m able to showcase my poultry products through engaging visuals, customer reviews, and exclusive offers, ultimately driving sales and growth,” said Mrs. Matimbe.
Customers also appreciate the convenience of social media marketing.
“I found Mrs. Matimbe’s poultry business through Facebook. Seeing pictures of fresh chickens and reading positive reviews gave me confidence in her products,” shared Mrs. Chikuni, a regular buyer.
“Home delivery services doubled my customer base in months. It’s a game-changer that sets you apart and meets customers’ demand for convenience,” Mrs. Matimbe shared.
Customers have welcomed this service. “I used to buy chicken from the market, but home delivery is so much easier. The quality is great, and I don’t have to worry about carrying heavy bags,” said Mr. Ncube, a customer in Bulawayo.
“Selling just live chickens can be limiting. I now sell packaged drumsticks and wings, and they sell faster than whole chickens,” added Mr. Mhlanga, another poultry farmer from Gweru .
“Satisfied customers are the best advertisers. I always encourage my customers to refer me to their friends. Sometimes, I give small discounts to loyal customers who bring new buyers,” Mrs. Matimbe said.
“With the rising cost of feed and production, many farmers have increased their prices, but I strive to keep mine affordable without compromising on freshness and quality,” said Mrs. Matimbe.
“Attending trade fairs has helped me gain exposure and increase sales,” Mrs. Matimbe explained.
Building relationships with local restaurants and hotels can provide a steady source of income. “Buying from local farmers like Mrs. Matimbe ensures we get the freshest chicken at a better price than wholesalers,” said Mr. Chuma, a restaurant owner in Harare.
“During festive seasons, I increase production because demand is high. But in January, sales drop, so I focus more on eggs and other poultry products,” said Mrs. Matimbe.
“Good service and fresh poultry keep me coming back. Farmers who listen to their customers and make buying easy will always have a competitive edge,” said customer Mr. Moyo.
By learning from Mrs. Matimbe and other farmers’ experiences, aspiring poultry entrepreneurs can adopt these strategies to grow and sustain their businesses.
Melody Korongwe is a driven and ambitious journalist with a strong passion for storytelling. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Media, and Broadcasting from the University of Zimbabwe, she possesses a solid foundation in newswriting and media principles. With a keen interest in contributing to the media industry, Melody is dedicated to leveraging her writing skills to produce high-quality content. She can be reached at melodykorongwe4@gmail.com or +263 786 640 520
