Zimbabwe aims key role in blueberry supply, targets 5,500T in exports

ZIMBABWE – The blueberry industry in Zimbabwe is set for rapid growth as it targets increased exports in the coming years anticipating around 5,500 tons of blueberry exports in 2024.

While this figure is only a fraction of South Africa’s export volumes, industry leaders are optimistic about Zimbabwe’s potential for expansion.

Linda Nielsen, the chief executive of Zimbabwe’s Horticultural Development Council, highlighted the country’s goal to triple blueberry production by 2030.

“Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry began with small experimental plantings in 2008,” Nielsen explained. “It was not until 2017 that we made our debut on the global market with our first commercial exports.”

The country has experienced impressive growth, with production increasing to 5,500 tonnes by 2023, making it the fastest-growing blueberry producer globally.

Nielsen noted, “This year, we expect to boost output to 8,000 tonnes.” The anticipated growth will primarily stem from the maturity of existing plants and higher yields rather than new plantings.

“This reflects the funding challenges that the industry continues to face, despite our recent successes,” she added.

To reach its ambitious target of 30,000 tons by 2030, Zimbabwe must expand its cultivation area from the current 570 hectares to 1,500 hectares.

Nielsen estimates that achieving this goal will require an investment of approximately $240 million. “If realized, this would generate revenues comparable to Zimbabwe’s horticulture export peak in the late 1990s,” she said.

Currently, Zimbabwean blueberries enter European markets via the Netherlands, which serves as a hub for fresh produce into the EU.

Nielsen stated, “Zimbabwe’s next major target is to enter the Indian and Chinese markets.” The Horticultural Development Council is actively working on securing a phytosanitary agreement to facilitate exports to these new markets.

Expansion into Chinese avocado market

In addition to its efforts in the blueberry sector, Zimbabwe recently achieved a significant milestone by securing access to the Chinese avocado market.

This development came after the signing of a phytosanitary protocol during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s state visit to Beijing for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.

On September 3, 2024, the agreement was officially signed, allowing Zimbabwean avocados to be exported to China.

This achievement positions Zimbabwe as the fourth African country to gain access to the Chinese avocado market, following Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.

“Gaining entry to the Chinese market opens up vast opportunities for Zimbabwean farmers and producers,” Nielsen noted.

“Our avocados can now reach one of the largest consumer markets in the world, which will benefit our economy.”

Zimbabwe’s avocado production is expected to reach 6,000 metric tons in 2024. To support this growth, the country plans to expand its avocado planting area from the current 1,500 hectares to 4,000 hectares by 2030.

The ability to harvest avocados from February to September allows Zimbabwe to supply the market during a time when competition is lower, enhancing its export potential.

Nielsen emphasized that the government and industry stakeholders are working together to improve farming techniques and invest in logistics and cold chain infrastructure.

These efforts aim to ensure that avocados retain their freshness and quality during transportation to international markets.