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A protocol on phytosanitary standards agreed upon during President Emmerson Mnangagwa's visit to Beijing has unlocked the possibility of Zimbabwe exporting blueberries to China, the Horticultural Development Council has announced. This agreement offers local growers access to one of the world's fastest-growing blueberry markets, although actual export volumes will depend on their ability to meet stringent sanitary conditions and manage compliance-related costs.

Zimbabwe's blueberry production is set to surge to 12,000 metric tonnes in 2025, up from 8,000 in 2024, as favourable climate conditions and rising global demand converge to bolster the sector's growth potential. Exporters, however, continue to face a range of constraints, spanning high interest rates, restricted access to long-term finance, and policies mandating the conversion of 25% of export income into local currency, which threaten to impede scalability and profitability.

HDC chief executive Linda Nielsen welcomed the protocol as a milestone and emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to incentivise production, draw investment and ensure compliance with China's strict quality requirements. Zimbabwe's strategic advantage lies in its early-season harvest window - from May to October - allowing it to reach export markets ahead of many competitors, while its climatic conditions contribute to berries known for desirable flavour, size and texture.

China's appetite for blueberries has ballooned over the years, jumping from 665 tonnes in 2005 to nearly 39,000 tonnes in 2024, largely sourced from Peru and Chile. The agreement with Zimbabwe provides Chinese buyers with a new, potentially early-season supplier known for quality. Building on progress in other horticultural areas-such as avocado and citrus exports-the blueberry deal adds momentum to the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, an initiative aiming to develop Zimbabwe's horticulture into a US$2 billion industry by 2030.

Export data through mid-2025 illustrates rising momentum in the broader berries trade, with earnings from January to June hitting US$2.7 million, up from US$2.15 million the previous year. Volume rose from around 1.19 million kg to over 1.42 million kg in that period, reinforcing the potential of berries as a meaningful export sector.

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