Zimbabwe Begins Blueberry Exports to China

Zimbabwe has started exporting blueberries to China after the two countries agreed on phytosanitary standards last September, marking the opening of a new export market for one of the country’s fastest-growing horticultural products. The first shipment was announced on Tuesday by the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), although the industry body did not disclose the size of the consignment.

The export milestone follows the signing of a protocol on phytosanitary standards between Zimbabwe and China in September last year. The agreement cleared the way for Zimbabwean blueberries to enter the Chinese market after meeting the required plant health and food safety standards. The first shipment now signals the implementation of that agreement and the beginning of commercial exports.

In a statement announcing the development, the Horticultural Development Council said attention will now turn to increasing production and identifying the most efficient transport routes into China. “Now, work shifts to scaling production and testing the best supply routes to this huge new market,” the council said.

Zimbabwe has experienced rapid growth in blueberry production in recent years, supported by favourable climatic conditions that are suitable for growing the fruit. The country’s production has increased at one of the fastest rates globally, allowing growers to expand cultivation while targeting international markets where demand continues to rise.

Demand for blueberries has grown steadily around the world, including in China, where consumers increasingly associate the fruit with health benefits. Zimbabwe is seeking to take advantage of this expanding demand by increasing exports and strengthening its position in international horticultural trade.

The latest development also comes after China introduced a zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries on May 1. Zimbabwe is among the countries eligible for the trade arrangement, giving its exporters duty-free access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets. The policy is expected to create additional opportunities for Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports.

According to data from the Horticultural Development Council, Zimbabwe expects to export about 12,000 metric tons of blueberries during 2026. Production is expected to come from approximately 850 hectares under cultivation, compared with exports of 9,500 metric tons harvested from about 650 hectares during the previous year. The figures reflect continued expansion in both production volumes and the area dedicated to blueberry farming.

Zimbabwe is currently Africa’s third-largest producer of blueberries, behind Morocco and South Africa. The country’s growing production has enabled exporters to serve several international markets while continuing to increase investment in the sector. Industry stakeholders view export diversification as an important part of sustaining future growth.

Before entering the Chinese market, Zimbabwe’s blueberries were mainly exported to the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. China now joins that list as another destination for the country’s horticultural exports, providing growers with access to a significantly larger consumer market.

The first shipment to China marks another step in Zimbabwe’s efforts to expand agricultural exports and strengthen its horticulture industry. As production continues to increase and exporters evaluate the best supply routes, industry players will be watching closely to see how the new market contributes to future export growth and broader trade opportunities for Zimbabwean blueberries.