Takudzwa Dhambu
THE United Kingdom–based makers of Zimasa Vodka, which is crafted using masau fruit and English grain, are determined to strengthen their tree-planting partnership with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe.
Zimasa Vodka co-founder Zororo Mubaya said yesterday that they are determined to scale up the planting of masau trees, which are well-suited to Zimbabwe’s climate, particularly in the Zambezi Valley region.
“Masau trees are indigenous and help combat deforestation, support biodiversity, and improve soil stability. Beyond the environmental benefits, masau also has economic value, offering rural communities long-term opportunities through sustainable harvesting and agro-processing,” Mubaya told the Daily News.
She said the company had planted close to 200 masau trees over the past couple of years across the country.
“Zimasa Vodka has planted 185 Masau trees across different parts of Zimbabwe. We planted 50 trees in Murombedzi on 9 December 2023 followed by 100 in Muzarabani in December 2024. This year, on 9 December we added 35 trees at Chikafa in Mbire District in support of the Zimbabwe national tree planting day,” said Mubaya.
Zimasa Vodka was founded in the United Kingdom by the Zimbabwe-born Mubaya and her husband Terence Kavuru along with their son Nyasha Kavuru.
“The three of us were all born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK in 2005. Despite living abroad, we have maintained strong ties with Zimbabwe.
“The creation of Zimasa Vodka was driven by a desire to blend cultural heritage with high-quality craftsmanship. Inspired by Kachasu, a traditional and often illicit Zimbabwean brew that embodies community spirit, we created a premium vodka that captures the essence of Zimbabwe while integrating the finest British ingredients. Zimasa Vodka is crafted using Zimbabwean masau fruit, English grain and Welsh water.
“Zimasa Vodka is distilled in small batches at the Hensol Castle Distillery in Wales. The key ingredient, the Masau fruit, is foraged in Zimbabwe and air-dried before being shipped to the UK,” she said.
Since it came on the market, Zimasa Vodka has landed seven awards, including a silver medal at the London Spirits Competition in March 2024 and a gold medal (flavoured vodka) at the World Drinks Awards this year.
“The response has been very encouraging. Zimasa Vodka has been well accepted, particularly in the UK market, where consumers appreciate its premium quality, African heritage, and sustainability story. The masau element sets it apart from conventional vodkas.,” Mubaya said.
