How Chiseko works
Chiseko is a forward market for Zambian produce. Farmers list what they are growing and when it will be ready; buyers state what they need and when. Chiseko verifies the farm, agrees the grade and the price, invoices, and moves the load.
Three steps from field to depot
The farmer lists
Crop, volume and the harvest window. Before planting, or while it is still in the ground.
Chiseko matches
We verify the farm, then match the crop to a buyer who needs that volume, that grade, that month.
The buyer reserves
The buyer reserves the volume, the price is agreed, and Chiseko moves the load to their depot.
What the grades mean
Every listing is graded against these published definitions, so a farmer and a buyer are describing the same thing.
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| Grade A | Premium. Uniform size and colour, no blemishes, fit for formal retail and export. |
| Grade B | Standard. Minor blemishes or size variation, fit for general market and processing. |
| Grade C | Economy. Cosmetic defects or mixed sizes, fit for processing, bulk or animal feed. |
How a farm is verified
Farmers register with an NRC or passport and a farm address. Every listing is reviewed by Chiseko before it appears, and anything that does not pass is sent back with the reason.
Grades, agreed up front
Produce is listed as Grade A, B or C against published definitions, so both sides are describing the same thing. Grade is agreed before dispatch; talk to us about the standard a specific load has to meet.
When each side pays
Terms are set per order and written into the agreement before the load moves. Chiseko invoices, tracks the payment and disburses to the farmer.
Transport and storage
Chiseko arranges haulage from the farm to a distribution centre or straight to the buyer's depot, and can hold produce in storage before it goes to market.