Zimbabwean blueberry farmers are urging the government to introduce investment-friendly policies that will help position the country as Africa’s largest blueberry exporter.

The call follows a breakthrough agreement signed in September that opened the Chinese market to Zimbabwean blueberries for the first time.

Expanding Horizons: From Europe to Asia

Until now, Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports were limited mainly to Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

The new deal with China, one of the world’s fastest-growing fruit markets, marks a major step forward for the country’s horticultural sector.

Globally, Peru and Chile dominate blueberry exports to China, and Zimbabwean growers hope to join that league by ramping up production and improving competitiveness.

Production Set to Surge by 50%

According to the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), Zimbabwe’s blueberry output is expected to grow from 8,000 tonnes in 2024 to 12,000 tonnes in 2025, representing a 50% increase.

The HDC said the China export protocol builds on the 2024 avocado export agreement, further reinforcing horticulture’s vital role in the nation’s economy.

“Our ambition under the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan is to transform the sector into a US$2 billion industry,” the HDC said in a statement.

“Driven by the global demand for healthy food, China’s blueberry imports have risen from just 665 tonnes in 2005 to nearly 39,000 tonnes in 2024, mainly from Peru and Chile.

Zimbabwe’s blueberries, known for their distinctive flavour and texture, offer a new and exciting supply option for that market.”

Currently, Morocco leads Africa’s blueberry production with over 80,000 tonnes annually, but Zimbabwe aims to challenge that position with the right policy environment and investment support.

Farmers Call for Investment-Friendly Policies

Clarence Mwale, CEO and founder of Kuminda, a collective representing small and medium-scale farmers, and board member of the HDC, told Farmer’s Weekly that local producers are already in talks with the government about necessary reforms to unlock growth.

“The deal with China opens our blueberries to a market of 1.4 billion consumers, many of whom can afford premium fruits,” Mwale said.

“But we need to boost production first, which requires supportive investment policies.”

He noted that blueberry cultivation is capital-intensive, and high interest rates discourage borrowing. Additionally, inconsistent investment regulations deter foreign investors.

“We need to revise our investment policies. To double our current planting area to 1,500 hectares, we require more than US$100 million in investment,” Mwale explained.

Mwale also highlighted concerns over the current system, where exporters receive only 30% of their earnings in local currency, with the rest converted under restrictive rules, making Zimbabwe less attractive to international financiers.

He believes empowering young farmers could also help expand the industry.

“If we could support around 100 young farmers with access to funding, we could significantly increase exports to China,” he added.

Kuminda has already partnered with Fruit Vision, holding a contract to grow 2,000 hectares of blueberry varieties across Southern Africa.

These varieties, developed in the Netherlands, are also cultivated in Spain.

China’s Strict Quality Standards

Following the new trade deal, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) released detailed import requirements for Zimbabwean blueberries.

All orchards, packing facilities, and quarantine stations must be audited and registered with both Zimbabwean and Chinese authorities.

Compliance includes implementing good agricultural practices, maintaining sanitary conditions, and using integrated pest management to minimise quarantine risks.

Key pests of concern include:

•  Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata)
•  Mango fruit fly (C. cosyra)
• White wax scale (Ceroplastes destructor)
• Long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus)
• Obscure mealybug (P. viburni)

During packing, fruit must be graded, cleaned, and inspected to remove any damaged produce or debris. Storage facilities must also be separated to prevent reinfestation.

Exporters are required to keep pest monitoring records for at least two years, available for inspection by Chinese customs.

The GACC warned that shipments from unregistered or non-compliant producers could be rejected or destroyed upon arrival in China.

A New Chapter for Zimbabwe’s Horticulture

The entry into the Chinese market is being hailed as a milestone for Zimbabwe’s agricultural diversification.

However, industry players stress that long-term success depends on creating a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly policy environment.

If government and farmers align their efforts, analysts believe Zimbabwe could soon rival Morocco, and potentially emerge as Africa’s leading blueberry exporter.