In 2019, work began to create the Tanzania Spices label with input from across the sector – convened by TASPA and TANTRADE, and led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the EAC MARKUP project.
The label design was developed through an online survey and interviews with representative buyers. Alternative designs were commissioned from a number of international designers and adapted following reviews with the cross-sector working group.
Concurrently, the rules regarding label application and governance structure were also developed.
The ITC is a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization, based in Geneva. ITC's mission is to support the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and transition economy countries. It provides sustainable and inclusive development solutions to the private sector, trade support institutions and policymakers. It does through partnerships with relevant organizations.
The Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) was jointly designed by the European Union, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat and the governments of the EAC Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda). Funded by the European Union, it is implemented by ITC, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and other national partners.
MARKUP is a regional development initiative that aims to contribute to the economic growth of the EAC. More specifically, it aims to support increased exports of agribusiness and horticultural products, promote regional integration and access to the European market.
MARKUP assists small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda by targeting specific agricultural commodities (i.e. avocado, cocoa, coffee, spices, tea and horticulture). This four-year programme is funded from the Regional Indicative Programme for EAC under the 11th European Development Fund.