Zimbabwe’s Blueberry Export Breakthrough to China
Zimbabwe has made a significant leap in its agricultural exports by sending its first commercial shipment of fresh blueberries to China. This move marks the country’s entry into one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing fruit markets, following rigorous compliance with Beijing’s phytosanitary requirements.
Delecta Fruit, a Harare-based exporter, recently dispatched three trial airfreight pallets of blueberries to Shanghai. The fruit was treated with methyl bromide fumigation before being transported by road to Johannesburg and then flown to China via Hong Kong. This process highlights the meticulous steps taken to meet international standards and ensure the quality of the produce.
Rossouw Lambrechts, the blueberry category head at Delecta Fruit, expressed excitement about this milestone. “An exciting step forward as we explore the significant potential China holds for Zimbabwean blueberries and continue opening new opportunities for our growers,” he said.
This breakthrough came after a phytosanitary protocol was signed between Zimbabwe and China in September 2025 during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to Beijing. To gain access to the Chinese market, Zimbabwean orchards must be inspected and registered, with integrated pest management systems in place. Additionally, the fruit must undergo fumigation or cold sterilisation before arrival.
Zimbabwe also benefits from China’s zero-tariff policy covering all 53 African countries with which Beijing maintains diplomatic relations. This policy took effect on May 1, 2026, allowing Zimbabwean blueberries to enter the Chinese market duty-free.
China’s blueberry imports have seen a dramatic increase, rising from barely 665 tonnes in 2005 to nearly 39,000 tonnes in 2024. The majority of these imports come from Peru and Chile. Lambrechts noted that China could absorb volumes comparable to those of the European Union and United Kingdom combined.
“China is an opportunity to put down large volumes; it’s like a second Europe for Zimbabwe, volume-wise,” he said.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC), representing Zimbabwean growers, reported that the country had approximately 650 hectares under blueberry production in 2025, exporting around 9,500 tonnes. Production is expected to grow to 850 hectares this year, with exports projected to reach 12,000 tonnes, up from 8,000 tonnes recorded in 2024.
Zimbabwe is Africa’s third-largest blueberry producer after Morocco and South Africa. The country began small-scale cultivation in 2008 and achieved its first exports in 2017. Since 2018, exports have grown tenfold, with existing markets concentrated in the EU, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
“Now, work shifts to scaling production and testing the best supply routes to this huge new market,” the HDC said in a statement.
The blueberry sector is part of the government’s Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, which targets a US$2 billion horticulture industry. The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe is reportedly considering raising US$50 million to support the sector, with plans to expand blueberry cultivation from the current level to 1,500 hectares.
