Zimbabwe exports first blueberry consignment to China under zero-tariff policy

Zimbabwe has shipped its inaugural consignment of blueberries to China after the two countries signed a phytosanitary protocol in September last year, officially opening the Chinese market to Zimbabwean growers.

The exports benefit from China's zero-tariff policy on eligible products from Zimbabwe, enhancing the fruit's competitiveness in one of the world's largest consumer markets.

As Africa's third-largest blueberry producer after Morocco and South Africa, Zimbabwe expects to export 12,000 metric tons this year, up from 9,500 tons last year.

Following the milestone shipment earlier this week, Zimbabwe's Horticultural Development Council urged farmers to scale up their production to meet the growing demand from the vast Chinese market with a population of over 1.4 billion people.

"China has opened the door. As Zimbabwe, we must now make sure we have enough product to walk through it," Linda Nielsen, HDC CEO said.

Nielsen noted that China's zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations presents a significant opportunity for Zimbabwean agricultural exports, opening the door to one of the world's largest consumer markets.

"The reality is Zimbabwe does not have a market problem. We have a production scaling challenge," she said.

According to the HDC, Zimbabwe expanded its blueberry cultivation from 650 hectares last year to 850 hectares this year, reflecting growing investment in the health-promoting fruit.

Alistair Campbell of the Zimbabwe Berry Growers Association added that Zimbabwe is rapidly establishing itself as one of Africa's leading blueberry producers, with the fast-growing sector contributing significantly to the economy while creating employment opportunities in rural communities.

Blueberries are among Zimbabwe's newer horticultural crops and are primarily grown in the provinces of Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central.

victor@chinadailyafrica.com