Vermicelli production picks up in Chattogram as Eid approaching

CHATTOGRAM, Mar 22: Manufactures have boosted up production of vermicelli, a desert most commonly consumed during the two Eids, in the factories of Chattogram in the run-up to the Eid-ul-Fitr.

Also called 'shemai' and traditionally taken as an Eid delicacy, it is extensively produced in the factories of Chaktai, Rajakhali and Khatunganj, well known as a hub of domestically manufactured vermicelli.

A recent visit found that workers were passing busy time producing vermicelli in the factories as the biggest religious festival of the Muslims is approaching.

Insiders said the local factories are gearing up to supply high quality vermicelli to the reputed companies to meet its increasing demand for the upcoming Eid.

There are traditionally two types of vermicelli -- Lachchha and Bangla. Bangla vermicelli is made using flour and water while Lachchha is produced with oil or butter, flour, sugar and water.

Alamgir Badshah, a businessman at Khatunganj, said there are around 40 to 50 vermicelli factories (small and large) located in Chaktai, Rajakhali and Khatunganj areas while earlier around 20 factories had produced vermicelli in Chaktai.

During the visit to Chaktai and Rajakhali, it was seen that ahead of the Eid, workers in the vermicelli factories in the areas were awfully busy producing the item, aiming to fulfill the companies' target for the festival.

The factories do not have to face any allegations from anywhere regarding quality of their products. Talking to the Financial Express, workers and officials of the factories said the vermicelli here is meeting the local demand in various wholesale markets of the country.

Now the local factories are producing quality shemai which is supplied to the companies and also exported to the foreign countries where Bangladeshi people are living.

The annual demand for vermicelli in the country is about 30,000 tonnes, of which, 20,000 tonnes are produced during Ramadan and two Eids. The total market size of the item is Tk7.50 billion to Tk10 billion (Tk750 to Tk1,000 crore).

Workers usually make vermicelli in the factories during the daytime. It is dried on the factory rooftops. Workers told this correspondent that they produce shemai using hygienic and clean methods.

Md Salauddin, a wholesaler in Khatunganj, said every day around 30kg vermicelli is sold on an average in his shop, with the Eid very close.

In the current year, some reputed companies are taking shemai from the local factories to meet the demand, he added.

An official of Banaful, a renowned company, preferring anonymity said, "Our Lachchha shemai is available all the year round, but its demand increases several times during Eid."

He also said there is a demand for about 30,000 tonnes of shemai in the country every year, of which, 20,000 tonnes are produced during Ramadan and two Eid. This generates an income of Tk7.50 billion to Tk10 billion.

The majority of the Lachchha shemai market is occupied by the companies like Banaful, Well Food, Culson and Pran.

With large investments, advanced technology, and a commitment to cleanliness, vermicelli from these companies is now at the top of consumers' demand. Besides, there is a type of shemai locally named 'Fakir Kabir's Shemai' which is very popular in Chattogram. This type of shemai is a heritage of Chattogram like Bela biscuit.

Although the company which produces 'Fakir Kabir's Semai' makes bakery products, it has a special reputation for this shemai. The company has maintained that reputation in taste and quality till date.

This time too, they are making shemai every day from morning till late night aiming to deliver the item to various wholesale markets.

Bangladeshi shemai is gradually gaining popularity in the world market, and its demand in the country is also increasing every year.

Therefore, entrepreneurs in this sector are seeing potential in the future.

However, this time, due to the impact of the global recession, the price of all types of shemai, both branded and non-branded, has increased by Tk10 to Tk50 per kg.

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