DURING the welcoming ceremony of United Fishing Enterprises' (UFE) new purse seiner fishing vessel two weeks ago, the company also introduced its new range of canned products.

These comprise canned horse mackerel in oil and tomato sauce, Ekunde beans in brine and tomato sauce and a delectable meal of horse mackerel and beans in tomato sauce.

"The canned Ekunde beans project was started some two years ago, when we were approached by the Prime Minister, Nahas Angula to look into canning possibilities," explained the CEO of Bidvest Namibia, Sebby Kankondi.

The beans are grown and harvested mostly by women in the north and canned in brine and tomato sauce by UFE.

"The new bean and fish product is a protein-packed meal that has never been done before. We are quite proud of this project as we are providing an income to communal farmers in the north, while producing a truly Namibian product of high standard and nutritional value," explained the GM of UFE, Richard Ahrens.

Unfortunately, it will only be August when the new product hits local shop shelves.

"We cannot put a price tag on it till the Namibian Standards Institute approves of it," said Aherens when asked what Namibians will be paying for the local product.

It is expected though to be very competitive with similar products from elsewhere, according to him.

The Minister of Fisheries, Bernard Esau also tasted the products and was immediately taken with the concept.

"This is truly delicious and a fantastic idea. Supermarkets must place these proudly Namibian products on their shelves," he noted.