Zimbabwean berry exports generate US$38M as blueberry protocol expands China trade

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s berry export industry has generated US$38 million, with blueberries emerging as the fastest-growing export crop, driven by global demand, precision farming, and recent diplomatic agreements expanding access to China.

According to ZimTrade, berry export earnings reached US$37.3 million in 2024, down 20% year-on-year from US$50 million.

However, the sector maintains a strong long-term expansion trend, with a compound annual growth rate of 29% between 2021 and 2025. Growth has been linked to increasing global demand for fruit and rising commercial production and investment in frost-free regions.

A blueberry export protocol signed during President Mnangagwa’s visit to China last year has expanded Zimbabwe’s horticultural trade, complementing existing agreements for citrus and avocado exports.

For instance, Hong Kong and China together accounted for 23% of total export earnings, while India recorded the highest prices for Zimbabwean berries.

On the other hand, according to Trade Map statistics, Zimbabwe earned US$8.8 million from exports to Hong Kong and China, US$6 million from Germany and the Netherlands, and US$3 million from Singapore and South Africa.

The berry category includes cranberries, mulberries, blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries, and raspberries, with most growth driven by blueberries.

However, blueberries have been Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing export crop since 2018 and are cultivated using precision farming systems in frost-free production areas. The five largest destination markets accounted for 70% of total berry export earnings.

Furthermore, Zimbabwe’s horticultural sector includes flowers, vegetables, berries, citrus, nuts, avocados, deciduous fruit, other fruit, and herbs. Therefore, this surge in berry production is largely due to increased commercial investment in frost-free regions across the country, enabling year-round cultivation and consistent quality for export markets.

More importantly, high-value markets such as Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Germany are primary destinations for these crops.

Moreover, the data highlights the strategic importance of blueberries as Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing export commodity. Although the sector experienced a slight decline in annual earnings, it remains on a strong long-term growth trajectory, driven by global demand and precision farming.

Therefore, continued investment in production infrastructure and in new trade agreements will be essential to sustain growth.

In the end, Zimbabwe aims to strengthen its position in Asian and European markets by improving quality and expanding market access.

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