Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
ZIMBABWE today joins the world in celebrating World Blueberry Day, also known as National Blueberry Day.
The day is celebrated on July 8 to appreciate and enjoy the nutritious fruit. The month of July is also recognised as National Blueberry Month.
This day encourages people to learn about the health benefits of blueberries and to indulge in their sweet flavour.
The country’s blueberry sub-sector grew by 351 percent in export earnings from US$11 million in 2020 to US$50 million in 2024.
Statistics released by the national trade development and promotion organisation of Zimbabwe (ZimTrade), from TradeMap 2025, show that the country’s earnings from berry exports surged from US$11 124 million in 2020 to US$50 137 million last year. In volume terms, the exports rose from 2 503 to 6 240 tonnes over the same period.
This growth is driven by rising global demand for healthy fruits and increased commercial farming and investment.
Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry began with small experimental plantings in 2008. The country made its debut on the global market in 2017 with its first commercial exports of the crop.
“This year, blueberry exports are expected to increase 25 percent from 8 000 tonnes last year to 10 000,” said Horticultural Development Council (HDC).
“This increase will come from plant maturity and increased yield, rather than from new plantings.”
Zimbabwe’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) in the blueberry industry is quality, taste and production time.
The HDC said the country targets to increase the export of blueberries from 8 000 tonnes in 2024 to 30 000 by 2030 if the policy issues, long-term capital, and other operational challenges are addressed.
