The dried fruits business is emerging market which enables entrepreneurs to add value to local products and gain a higher income on agro-products. However, fruit drying is quite technical and requires a certain amount of knowledge to ensure it is carried out efficiently and safely.
In June 2021, 12 beneficiaries of the project Mashrou3i completed a theoretical and practical training course at the Sectoral Centre for Agri-food Industries in Tunis. This technical support prepared the entrepreneurs for their new role as producers of dried fruits and provided them with skills to support the launch and growth of their businesses.
During the 3-day training, the small businesses owners learned about regulations for drying fruits and vegetables, the stages of manufacturing dried fruits, different drying methods and how to ensure products remain fresh. With the support of an expert trainer, the entrepreneurs focused on the apricot – one of the most difficult fruits in terms of dehydration – and learned all the stages to create a final product.
Moez Bargaoui, from Siliana, was one of the 12 entrepreneurs from North West Tunisia selected by Mashrou3i experts to take part in the training. In May 2021, the 27-year-old industrial maintenance technician launched his fruit and vegetable drying business, Hrayer Bargou.
“When I returned to Siliana,” Moez explains, “I applied what I learnt to apples, which gave me excellent results. The training helped me learn a lot from my past mistakes. Now I can apply a drying method adapted to each type of fruit depending on its ripeness or sugar content…”.