Zimbabwe exports first batch of blueberries to China as new market opens

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

The exports also benefit from China's zero-tariff treatment for eligible products from Zimbabwe, enhancing the competitiveness of Zimbabwean blueberries 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 of blueberries this year, up from 9,500 tons the previous year.

Following the milestone shipment, the Horticultural Development Council urged farmers to scale up their production to meet the growing demand from the vast Chinese market of over 1.4 billion people.

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

Speaking at a recent investment forum held in Harare, Nielsen said China's decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to products from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations presents a significant opportunity for Zimbabwean agricultural exports.

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

According to 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 said 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.