Overview of Zimbabwe’s Blueberry Industry, with Charts from Agronometrics. Originally published on September 24, 2024.
Following the recent success of gaining access to the Chinese market for its avocado exports, Zimbabwe’s blueberry sector is poised for rapid growth.
This year, Zimbabwe is expected to export around 5,500 tonnes of blueberries. Although this figure represents less than 20% of the volume shipped by South Africa, its more dominant neighbor in blueberry exports, industry leaders are optimistic about significant expansion in the coming years.
Linda Nielsen, CEO of Zimbabwe’s Horticultural Development Council, has set an ambitious target to triple the country’s blueberry production by 2030.
“Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry started with small experimental plantings in 2008,” Nielsen noted. It wasn’t until 2017 that the country made its entrance onto the global stage with its first commercial exports.
“By 2023, production had risen to 5,500 tonnes, establishing Zimbabwe as the fastest-growing blueberry producer in the world,” she explained. “This year, the industry expects to boost output to 8,000 tonnes.”
Growth in Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry will primarily come from maturing plants and increased yields, rather than new plantings. “This reflects the funding challenges the industry continues to face, despite its recent growth,” Nielsen explained.
If cultivation expands from the current 570 hectares to 1,500 hectares by 2030, Zimbabwe could produce 30,000 tonnes of blueberries. “If achieved, this would generate revenues comparable to Zimbabwe’s horticultural export peak in the late 1990s,” Nielsen confirmed. However, reaching this goal will require a significant investment of approximately US$240 million.
Currently, Zimbabwean berries access European markets through the Netherlands, a hub for fresh produce into the EU. “Our next major target is to enter the Indian and Chinese markets,” Nielsen said. The Horticultural Development Council is working towards securing a phytosanitary agreement to facilitate blueberry exports to these new markets.
Zimbabwe’s climate provides its blueberries with distinct characteristics such as size, taste, and texture, making them attractive to premium markets. “Another advantage is our harvest season, which runs from May to October, allowing us to enter global markets ahead of many competitors and secure a strategic market window,” Nielsen noted.
With a skilled workforce and high literacy rates, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to quickly adopt new technologies. “Our strong agricultural heritage has also equipped us with robust logistics and cold-chain systems, ensuring produce reaches global markets in top condition,” she added. Government-backed extension services and trade partnerships further support the sector.
However, the industry faces challenges, including land tenure security, poor road infrastructure, high utility costs, and an unfavorable exchange rate system. “We are collaborating with the Zimbabwe Investment Development Authority to create special economic zones and sector-specific incentives,” Nielsen said. These would include tax breaks and other measures to attract investment. Additionally, high energy costs present opportunities for investment in renewable energy solutions for irrigation and cold-chain infrastructure.”
