In recent findings, Zimbabwe has emerged as a leading global exporter of blueberries, experiencing remarkable growth that surpasses other nations. Despite being an unexpected competitor, Zimbabwe has proven to be a significant contributor to the global market for high-quality agricultural produce.
The favorable climate in Zimbabwe, conducive to farming, along with soil conditions suitable for various crops such as tobacco, grain, wheat, flowers, and assorted fruits, has set the stage for the nation’s agricultural success. Notably, Zimbabwean products are recognised for their high quality, with a predominant emphasis on organic farming practices.
A study conducted by EastFruit sheds light on the substantial increase in blueberry farming investments within Zimbabwe. Over the last five years, blueberry exports from the country have surged by an impressive 63% annually, amounting to an additional 1,200 tonnes.
This growth is attributed to new plantations, often established by investors from neighboring South Africa. These investors are drawn to Zimbabwe due to its favorable climatic conditions, access to quality irrigation water, and cost-effective labor.Beyond South African investments, there is a notable rise in contributions from other countries, fostering the development of new blueberry plantations.
Exports witnessed a remarkable 85% growth in 2022, exceeding 5,000 tonnes, positioning Zimbabwe among the top 15 global blueberry-exporting nations.According to Andrij Yarmak, an economist at the Food and Agriculture Ministry UN organizations (FAO), Zimbabwe has surpassed Serbia in volume, solidifying its presence in the international blueberry market.
EastFruit experts project continued growth in Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports for 2023, anticipating a further 30-40% increase to reach 6.5-7.0 thousand tonnes.This growth is particularly significant as the global prices for blueberries have risen due to a poor harvest in Peru. Zimbabwe stands to gain substantially from this trend, positioning itself as a key player in blueberry exports in the upcoming season.
A substantial portion of Zimbabwe’s blueberries finds its way to South Africa, possibly for subsequent re-exports. Additionally, the country directly supplies fresh blueberries to the UK, EU, Middle East countries, and Russia, establishing a diverse and expansive market reach.
With vast arable farmlands and abundant water sources, Zimbabwe holds immense potential to become a formidable global player in agricultural produce for export. The availability of markets, coupled with adequate funding, sets the stage for the country to capitalise on its agricultural strengths.
