Today, on March 27, 2024, a team from the Rwanda Standard Board (RSB) conducted a comprehensive inspection at Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) to assess their banana products, namely “Iyukunda” Butunda of Kabgayi with the intention of branding it with the esteemed S-Mark.
This renowned product was crafted by ICK through its University Center of Research and Professionalization, specifically within its branch named the Business Incubation Center of Kabgayi (UCRP_BIKA Ltd.).
The RSB’s visit to the center aimed to scrutinize the entire production process, assess quality control measures, and ensure overall compliance with national standards, particularly for alcoholic beverages.
The evaluation encompassed every stage of the production process, from sourcing the ingredients to fermentation, and meticulous inspections were conducted on bottling and labeling procedures.
Dr. Innocent Simpunga, the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Development at Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), expressed confidence that these beverages would not only tantalize taste buds but also invigorate the local economy.
He remarked, “The banana wine is not only delicious but also contributes significantly to our local economy by utilizing locally sourced ingredients.”
Ildephonse Nkiliye, the Deputy Director of Research and Academics at ICK, revealed that they previously possessed the S-Mark but voluntarily suspended it in 2018 due to certain unmet criteria.
Nkiliye explained, “We had previously obtained the S-Mark, but in 2018, we suspended it ourselves due to specific requirements that we had yet to fulfill. Now, with our newly rehabilitated infrastructure, upgraded equipment, and a skilled workforce, we are keen to demonstrate the substantial improvements we have made to resume our operations. Hence, we requested this re-inspection in anticipation of reinstating our S-Mark.”
The re-inspection conducted by the RSB signifies a pivotal step towards ensuring that BIKA’s banana products adhere to the stringent standards necessary for distribution and sale within the Rwandan market.