MaBEST 2023: Focus on the products of cooperatives supported by VSF-Suisse

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Extract from the article: The 5th edition of the Togo Wellness and Health Market in Togo (MaBEST), which took place from 13 to 17 September 2023, was attended by numerous exhibitors and partners. exhibitors and partners, including 03 local cooperatives producing honey, meat a

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The 5th edition of the Togo Wellness and Health Market in Togo (MaBEST), which took place from 13 to 17 September 2023, was attended by numerous exhibitors and partners. exhibitors and partners, including 03 local cooperatives producing honey, meat and Wagashi cheese, supported by the NGO Vétérinaires Sans Frontières-Suisse (VSF-Switzerland). Three local products that were appreciated by visitors.

MaBEST is a prestigious showcase for local products with a positive impact on the health of Togo's consumers.It promotes local companies and initiatives in the field of and food supplements. It was in this context that a localcooperative in the central region exhibited organic honey. A second structure in Lomé exhibited meat from small ruminants and poultry branded "ViviViande". Wangashi or local cheese was also on display by a local organisation from the Savanes region.

Quality honey

« The honey I bought at Mabest is good. It has beenwell processed. Now I use this honey as my sugar»,  said Joseph, one of the visitors. The organic honey on display at MaBESTis renowned for its exceptional quality and its compliance with environmentalenvironmental and health standards.By using beekeeping practices thatrespectful beekeeping practices, VSF-Suisse is actively committed to preserving the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of bees, thereby playing a crucial crucial role in preserving the local ecosystem. This is achieved through the MiKaGo' project, which has played an essential role in the development of the development of the cooperative and the consolidation of its market position. This honey has been scientifically tested. Several quality criteria were taken into account. Firstly, the biochemical parameters were evaluated by the forestry research laboratory of the University of Lomé (UL).

« ViviViande » stand

The « viviande » stand showcased meat from small ruminants small ruminants, chickens and guinea fowl. VSF-Suisse wants to help people to become aware of and adopt a healthy diet.Themeat displayed on the stand has been analysed and inspected, and cut up in approved and clean slaughterhouses. The meat exhibited at MaBEST has beenwell preserved in refrigerators.Severalvisitors bought some of this meat. According to "Viviviand", some visitors,contacted them to order meat when they needed it.

Wangashi stand

The wagashi stand was one of the attractions during thisMaBEST.Wangashi was preserved in very good conditions such asin dishes with lids, in coolers, protected from flies and other vectors. The Wangashi was quicklypurchased by many visitors. This food has been tested by the National Institute Institute of Hygiene. The cows producing the milk for processing were monitored monitored by vets. Mariam, who visited the stand, said that « wagashi is well protected. I've never seen this food in such clean and well-maintained condition.and well looked after.It's not street wangash. I liked the protection and care that the exhibitors gave to the wagashi ».  Saïd, another visitor, said: « This is the first timefirst time I've learned that the cows and their milks used to make wagashiwagashi are examined by specialists. »

Elom AKAKPO