Zimbabwe set to export blueberries directly to China pending trade approval
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe is set to export blueberries directly to China once a pending trade protocol between the two nations is approved.
Zimbabwe began the protocol for blueberry exports to China in 2024. The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) is optimistic about improved blueberry exports this year due to plant maturity and the opening of markets in China and India.
In 2023, local farmers planted 570 hectares of blueberries and managed to export 5,500 tons. Building on that base, the HDC aims to export approximately 8,000 tons of blueberries in 2024, driven by expected impetus from these new markets.
The projected 45% increase in exports primarily results from plant maturity and increased yield, rather than new plantings.
Farmers have demonstrated interest in the markets, carefully harvesting ripe blueberries in Marondera hoping to capitalize on the lucrative opportunity during this ongoing May ripening season.
Edwin Moyo, a leading blueberry farmer, is eager to export directly to China once a trade protocol between the two nations is approved.
“China is a growing market, and it will be worthwhile to export directly from the farm to China,” said Moyo. His 10-hectare project currently yields over 100 tonnes of blueberries annually, with plans to expand to 200 hectares. This growth is driven by the lucrative prospects of the Chinese market.
At present, Moyo sells his produce to South Africa and Europe, but he recognizes the significant potential of the Chinese market.
As chairman of Nhimbe Fresh Exports, a major horticultural exporter, Moyo believes increased investment in blueberry production is crucial.
“The Chinese market is the best market, and there is significant interest. Of course, certain accreditation standards must be met in China,” he added.
Zimbabwe, a prominent blueberry producer in southern Africa, has traditionally exported to the European Union and Britain. However, the country is now seeking to enter the Chinese market, leveraging its competitive advantage.
Clarence Mwale, CEO of Fair-Mark, highlighted that Zimbabwe harvests its blueberries earlier than competitors.
“We have a massive advantage by coming into season two months ahead of our competitors,” said Mwale. “We are positioning ourselves to maximize these two months when we are the sole suppliers from the Southern Hemisphere.”
Mwale emphasized the lucrative opportunities presented by the Chinese market. “We are working with the Zimbabwean government to understand the Chinese market’s requirements and help local farmers build the capacity and systems needed to access it.”
Zimbabwe’s first consignment of citrus fruit to China last year marked a significant step in expanding its agricultural exports.
The Zimbabwean government and local industry stakeholders are keen to meet the Chinese market’s standards.
“We have been studying the Chinese market’s needs and are currently working on a trade protocol between the governments. Once approved, we will focus on meeting the supermarkets’ requirements and other market demands in China,” Mwale noted.
Allan Majuru, CEO of ZimTrade, the country’s trade promotion agency, outlined efforts to diversify agricultural exports to China.
“We aim to incorporate blueberries, pecan nuts, chilies, and sesame, among other products, to grow and diversify our export basket to China,” Majuru stated.
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Zimbabwe set to export blueberries directly to China pending trade approval
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe is set to export blueberries directly to China once a pending trade protocol between the two nations is approved.
Zimbabwe began the protocol for blueberry exports to China in 2024. The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) is optimistic about improved blueberry exports this year due to plant maturity and the opening of markets in China and India.
In 2023, local farmers planted 570 hectares of blueberries and managed to export 5,500 tons. Building on that base, the HDC aims to export approximately 8,000 tons of blueberries in 2024, driven by expected impetus from these new markets.
The projected 45% increase in exports primarily results from plant maturity and increased yield, rather than new plantings.
Farmers have demonstrated interest in the markets, carefully harvesting ripe blueberries in Marondera hoping to capitalize on the lucrative opportunity during this ongoing May ripening season.
Edwin Moyo, a leading blueberry farmer, is eager to export directly to China once a trade protocol between the two nations is approved.
“China is a growing market, and it will be worthwhile to export directly from the farm to China,” said Moyo. His 10-hectare project currently yields over 100 tonnes of blueberries annually, with plans to expand to 200 hectares. This growth is driven by the lucrative prospects of the Chinese market.
At present, Moyo sells his produce to South Africa and Europe, but he recognizes the significant potential of the Chinese market.
As chairman of Nhimbe Fresh Exports, a major horticultural exporter, Moyo believes increased investment in blueberry production is crucial.
“The Chinese market is the best market, and there is significant interest. Of course, certain accreditation standards must be met in China,” he added.
Zimbabwe, a prominent blueberry producer in southern Africa, has traditionally exported to the European Union and Britain. However, the country is now seeking to enter the Chinese market, leveraging its competitive advantage.
Clarence Mwale, CEO of Fair-Mark, highlighted that Zimbabwe harvests its blueberries earlier than competitors.
“We have a massive advantage by coming into season two months ahead of our competitors,” said Mwale. “We are positioning ourselves to maximize these two months when we are the sole suppliers from the Southern Hemisphere.”
Mwale emphasized the lucrative opportunities presented by the Chinese market. “We are working with the Zimbabwean government to understand the Chinese market’s requirements and help local farmers build the capacity and systems needed to access it.”
Zimbabwe’s first consignment of citrus fruit to China last year marked a significant step in expanding its agricultural exports.
The Zimbabwean government and local industry stakeholders are keen to meet the Chinese market’s standards.
“We have been studying the Chinese market’s needs and are currently working on a trade protocol between the governments. Once approved, we will focus on meeting the supermarkets’ requirements and other market demands in China,” Mwale noted.
Allan Majuru, CEO of ZimTrade, the country’s trade promotion agency, outlined efforts to diversify agricultural exports to China.
“We aim to incorporate blueberries, pecan nuts, chilies, and sesame, among other products, to grow and diversify our export basket to China,” Majuru stated.
For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.