BerryWorld, Tropic Cool partner to expand berry production in Rwanda
RWANDA – The British fruit company, BerryWorld, has partnered with the Israeli company, Tropic Cool, to expand berry production in Rwanda, aiming to increase berry exports from Africa.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, February 24, 2025, the two companies announced the initiative, named Rwanda Berries, which will cover 150 hectares over the next five years.
The farm will focus on premium Diamond Jubilee raspberries, Eureka Sunrise blueberries, and Sekoya blueberry varieties.
While financial details have not been disclosed, the farm’s entire production will be designated for export to the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.
This move marks BerryWorld’s second major venture in Africa, having previously operated only in South Africa. The company aims to establish Rwanda as a key exporter of berries in East Africa.
The decision aligns with Rwanda’s efforts to enhance its agricultural exports, which currently rely heavily on coffee, tea, and pyrethrum.
“We are delighted to collaborate with BerryWorld to create a brand new agricultural export industry in Rwanda. We believe we have found the perfect country to build a sustainable and competitive industry that will provide closer access to fresh, premium berries,” said Avi Drori, CEO of Tropic Cool.
The introduction of large-scale berry farming in Rwanda is expected to strengthen the country’s horticultural sector, where commercial berry production has been largely absent.
Rwanda Berries aims to export blueberries and raspberries to markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), fruit exports generated approximately US$37.4 million in 2024. With the establishment of Rwanda Berries, the country’s horticultural export potential is expected to grow further.
The project is also set to create 1,200 jobs, offering employment opportunities in farming, processing, and logistics. This is a significant step toward boosting income for local farmers and improving Rwanda’s overall agricultural landscape.
The Rwandan government has also introduced initiatives aimed at increasing fruit production across the country. One of these is the Five Fruit Trees Per Household Program, a US$13 million effort to plant six million fruit trees over the next five years.
This project focuses on avocado, mango, papaya, guava, and citrus trees to enhance food security and increase household incomes.
Additionally, the country is adopting modern farming methods, including precision agriculture and sustainable practices, to improve efficiency and environmental sustainability.
These advancements are expected to help Rwanda meet international market standards while ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.
Market research indicates that global demand for soft fruits is expected to grow steadily. A report by The Business Research Company projects that the industry will expand by 5.1% in 2025, reaching US$26.9 billion, with an annual growth rate of 4.8% through 2029.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
