Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports jump 34% as China opens market

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports rose sharply this year, bringing in US$10.4 million between January and September compared to US$7.8 million in the same period last year.

The 34% increase follows stronger shipments to China and rising global demand for premium berries.

Data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) show that blueberry export volumes climbed from 5,319 tons to 6,273 tons, an 18% increase. Average prices also improved by 13%, from US$1.46 to US$1.66 per kilogram.

Berries – blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, and mulberry – now form a key part of Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports, with blueberries leading the charge. Access to the Chinese market came after the signing of a new blueberry export protocol in September, which outlines sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for trade.

“The milestone signing of the blueberry protocol with China in September did not happen overnight but was the result of extensive behind-the-scenes work, countless meetings, and close coordination between stakeholders. Our growers will now have access to one of the world’s fastest-growing blueberry markets, with Zimbabwe’s blueberry production expected to rise from 8,000 tons in 2024 to 12,000 tons in 2025,” said Horticultural Development Council (HDC) chief executive Linda Nielsen.

China’s blueberry imports have grown from 665 tons in 2005 to almost 39,000 tons in 2024, mostly from Peru and Chile. “The entry of Zimbabwean blueberries, known for their unique taste and texture, brings a new source of supply to that market,” Nielsen added.

Local producers see opportunity and strain

Zimbabwe’s harvest runs from May to October, mainly across the Mashonaland provinces and Manicaland. Nielsen said the country’s early harvest window gives it a strong competitive advantage, with most exports shipped by air.

Still, local growers face challenges. HDC board member and blueberry farmer Willard Zireva said awareness and access to reliable infrastructure remain key for the sector to grow. “What transformed my business was not just better farming techniques, it was understanding market requirements and building linkages,” he said.

Zireva, who manages 12 hectares of blueberries, noted that limited access to finance, power, and water still affects production. “Blueberries are only irrigated during the day, not at night, and any load shedding during the day negatively affects us growers, as we are forced to use expensive diesel-powered electricity generation. One hectare of blueberries has 4,000 plants in pots and each plant requires five litres of water per day, a total of 20,000 litres,” he explained.

Wider sector developments

Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector has seen renewed interest from export-focused investors and government partners. Ongoing irrigation upgrades and new cold chain projects are expected to support smallholder inclusion in the horticultural value chain.

With improved market access and growing regional demand, stakeholders believe blueberries could soon rank among the country’s top five horticultural exports.

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