Zimbabwean berry exports generate US$38 million

Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry generated US$38 million from berry exports last year, with Hong Kong and China accounting for 23 per cent of total export earnings, while India recorded the highest prices.

A blueberry export protocol signed during President Mnangagwa’s visit to China last year has expanded Zimbabwe’s horticultural trade, adding to existing agreements covering citrus and avocado exports.

According to ZimTrade, berry export earnings reached US$37.3 million, compared with US$50 million in 2024, representing a 20 per cent decline year on year.

Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector includes flowers, vegetables, berries, citrus, nuts, avocados, deciduous fruit, other fruit, and herbs.

ZimTrade reported that the berry sector recorded a compound annual growth rate of 29 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Growth has been linked to increasing global demand for fruit and rising commercial production and investment.

The berry category includes cranberries, mulberries, blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries, and raspberries, with most of the growth attributed to blueberries.

Blueberries have been Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing export crop since 2018 and are produced using precision farming systems in frost-free production areas.

Trade Map statistics show that Zimbabwe earned US$8.8 million from exports to Hong Kong, China, US$6 million each from Germany and the Netherlands, and US$3 million each from Singapore and South Africa.

The five largest destination markets accounted for 70 per cent of Zimbabwe’s total berry export earnings.

Source: Bulls & Bears