Zimbabwean blueberry exports set to reach 12,000 tons in 2026

Zimbabwe’s blueberry sector expects exports to reach around 12,000 tons in 2026 as growers gain access to the Chinese market. The crop is expected to come from around 850 hectares, compared with 9,500 tons harvested from 650 hectares last year, according to the Horticultural Development Council (HDC).

Zimbabwe shipped its first blueberries to China in July following a phytosanitary agreement signed a year earlier and China’s removal of tariffs on imports from 53 African countries in May. Zimbabwean blueberries are already exported to Europe, the UK and the Middle East.

Forrester Estates, around 100 kilometres north of Harare, plans to more than double its blueberry area to 50 hectares next year. Farm manager Albert Chakala said access to finance remains a constraint. Establishing one hectare of blueberries requires an initial investment of between US$50,000 and US$55,000, mainly for irrigation, planting material and other infrastructure.

“We are expanding bit by bit, according to what we are getting back from what we sell,” Chakala said.

The HDC said access to financing is a concern for growers seeking to expand plantings. The sector is discussing export financing and tax incentives for irrigation, solar installations and cold-chain investments with the government.

Zimbabwe is Africa’s third-largest blueberry-growing country after Morocco and South Africa, according to the HDC.

Clarence Mwale, chairman of the Export Produce Growers Association of Zimbabwe, said access to China could also create opportunities for additional growers to enter the blueberry sector. However, he said this would depend on access to lower-cost, long-term financing.

“If we can attract foreign direct investment, foreign facilities, foreign loans, patient money, patient capital, then perhaps we can start talking about better platforms for new farmers to come in,” Mwale said.

The sector sees the opening of China as an opportunity to diversify Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports while expanding blueberry acreage.

Source: Hortidaily.com