News / National
Zimbabwe secures blueberry export deal with China
05 Sep 2025 at 06:54hrs | 230 Views
In a historic boost for the country's horticulture sector, Zimbabwean blueberries can now be exported to China following the signing of a new bilateral protocol in Beijing.
The agreement, hailed as a milestone by the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), opens the door for local growers to tap into one of the world's fastest-growing blueberry markets.
HDC Chief Executive Officer Linda Nielsen said the breakthrough offers an opportunity for the sector to expand production, attract investment, and meet China's strict quality and phytosanitary standards.
"This agreement is a milestone for Zimbabwe's horticulture sector. What is needed now is collaboration to design policies that increase investment, boost production to meet required volumes, and ensure that our blueberries meet China's strict quality and phytosanitary standards," Nielsen said.
Zimbabwe is projected to produce 12 000 tonnes of blueberries in 2025, representing a 50% increase from 8 000 tonnes in 2024, as growers ramp up operations to meet export demands.
The scale of exports will be guided by the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements outlined in the protocol, including compliance costs.
This development is expected to significantly enhance the country's horticultural exports, positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in the global blueberry market.
The agreement, hailed as a milestone by the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), opens the door for local growers to tap into one of the world's fastest-growing blueberry markets.
HDC Chief Executive Officer Linda Nielsen said the breakthrough offers an opportunity for the sector to expand production, attract investment, and meet China's strict quality and phytosanitary standards.
"This agreement is a milestone for Zimbabwe's horticulture sector. What is needed now is collaboration to design policies that increase investment, boost production to meet required volumes, and ensure that our blueberries meet China's strict quality and phytosanitary standards," Nielsen said.
Zimbabwe is projected to produce 12 000 tonnes of blueberries in 2025, representing a 50% increase from 8 000 tonnes in 2024, as growers ramp up operations to meet export demands.
The scale of exports will be guided by the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements outlined in the protocol, including compliance costs.
This development is expected to significantly enhance the country's horticultural exports, positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in the global blueberry market.
Source - online
