Zimbabwe blueberries open the door to the Chinese market, soon to be granted zero tariff access.
Published 2025년 9월 12일
Tridge summary
Zimbabwe began small-scale cultivation of blueberries in 2008, achieving its first blueberry export in 2017. The blueberry harvest season runs from April to October, with 60% of the blueberries harvested between August and October. Since 2018, Zimbabwe's blueberry exports have increased tenfold, with major markets including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
In 2024, Zimbabwe's blueberry production was 0.8 million tons, with exports increasing from 3,616 tons to 4,096 tons, a growth of 13.3%. It is expected that Zimbabwe's blueberry production will reach 1.2 million tons this year. If supported by policies encouraging investment, Zimbabwe could become Africa's largest blueberry exporter.
Linda Nielsen, Executive Director of the Horticultural Development Corporation (HDC) of Zimbabwe, stated that this is a milestone for Zimbabwe's willing industry, and now the industry needs to cooperate and formulate policies to increase investment, improve production, and ensure that exported blueberries meet China's quality and plant quarantine standards.
The Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) is considering raising $50 million to support the horticultural industry, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and small businesses. The covered industries include citrus fruits, blueberries, passion fruits, apples, coffee, avocados, bananas, and other fruits, with the blueberry cultivation area planned to increase from 600 hectares to 1,500 hectares.
In 2024, Zimbabwe's blueberry production was 0.8 million tons, with exports increasing from 3,616 tons to 4,096 tons, a growth of 13.3%. It is expected that Zimbabwe's blueberry production will reach 1.2 million tons this year. If supported by policies encouraging investment, Zimbabwe could become Africa's largest blueberry exporter.
Linda Nielsen, Executive Director of the Horticultural Development Corporation (HDC) of Zimbabwe, stated that this is a milestone for Zimbabwe's willing industry, and now the industry needs to cooperate and formulate policies to increase investment, improve production, and ensure that exported blueberries meet China's quality and plant quarantine standards.
The Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) is considering raising $50 million to support the horticultural industry, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and small businesses. The covered industries include citrus fruits, blueberries, passion fruits, apples, coffee, avocados, bananas, and other fruits, with the blueberry cultivation area planned to increase from 600 hectares to 1,500 hectares.
Original content
Zimbabwe began small-scale cultivation of blueberries in 2008, achieving its first blueberry export in 2017. The blueberry harvest season runs from April to October, with 60% of blueberries being harvested between August and October. Since 2018, Zimbabwe's blueberry exports have increased tenfold, with major markets including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. In 2024, Zimbabwe's blueberry production was 0.8 million tons, with exports increasing from 3,616 tons to 4,096 tons, a growth of 13.3%. It is expected that Zimbabwe's blueberry production will reach 1.2 million tons this year. If policy support is provided to encourage growers to invest, Zimbabwe could become Africa's largest blueberry exporter. Linda Nielsen, Executive Director of the Horticultural Development Corporation (HDC) of Zimbabwe, said this is a milestone for the willing industry in Zimbabwe, and now the industry needs to cooperate and formulate policies to increase investment, improve ...
Source: Foodmate
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