Blueberry production has grown fastest in Zimbabwe

Published Jan 15, 2024

Tridge summary

Zimbabwe's blueberry sector has experienced rapid growth, with a 800% increase in plantations over 5 years, reaching 570 hectares and yielding 7,000 tons of blueberries by 2024. South African companies and experienced farmers are the main investors in the sector, along with international companies like BerryWorld, Fall Creek, and Costa. The country's ideal weather conditions, suitable soil, cheap labor, and abundant water make it an attractive base for blueberry production, with produce ripening earlier and the local season starting later compared to other major global producers.

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Original content

Zimbabwe has the fastest growing blueberry sector in the world. From 2018 to 2024, it grew from 0 to 570 hectares and a harvest of 7,000 tons. The area of blueberry plantations increased by 800% in 5 years. This was reported by the Zimbabwe Independent. Most of the investors in the local blueberry sector are reported to be South African companies and farmers who have experience in similar ventures in their country. There are also international companies that have contractual agreements with local farmers. The most famous of them are BerryWorld, Fall Creek and Costa. They found Zimbabwe to be an ideal base for their expansion as the country has excellent weather conditions for berry growing. The local soils are also very suitable for blueberries. The country also has cheap labor and a significant amount of quality water. Produce in Zimbabwe ripens a month earlier than in South Africa and most other producers in the world. In ...

Source: Agrotimes