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Elton Manguwo
AS the Government upscales its re-engagement offensive with the international community, the horticulture sector is set to expand its export destinations to include the Belarusian US$535 million market.
In his weekly report, ZimTrade chief executive Mr Allan Majuru said the foreign policy of engagement and reengagement was helping find new markets for the country’s horticultural products.
“This new approach is unlocking endless opportunities for Zimbabwe’s producers particularly the private sector,” said Mr Majuru.
According to Trade map, Belarus’ total imports of fruits and nuts were around US$535 million in 2021 and top of this list were apples, pears and quinces (US$143 million), citrus (US$67 million), berries (US$65 million), bananas (US$55 million), grapes (41 million) and stone fruits (US$34 million).
“These top imported fruits and nuts are produced in abundance in Zimbabwe and the country also has potential to grow and export organic produce to Belarus due to its ideal and favourable climatic conditions,” said Mr Majuru.
Belarus is a landlocked country, which offers several advantages due to its proximity to markets in eastern Europe.
“With a population of 9,3 million people, Belarus’s high import bill indicates that it has a wide re-exporting network in its region,” said Mr Majuru.
The country’s horticultural exports are tipped to grow this year owing to growing interest among producers to venture into export business, as well as the rising interest from buyers to source from local producers.
Most international buyers prefer Zimbabwean horticultural produce to that from other African countries.
Mr Majuru highlighted that from discussions with distributors recently, buyers indicated interest to source avocados and macadamia nuts from Zimbabwe.
“The buyers are interested in the Hass avocados, which is the type grown in Zimbabwe for export,” he said.
The macadamia market in Belarus is new, but the growing demand for the nut across the world is driving interest among consumers.
“The growing demand means new supplies are likely to get premium prices on the market, as the product is targeted at niche consumers who are willing to spend more,” said Mr Majuru.
The Government is looking to boost macadamia nut production to increase production volumes, as the current demand from across the world is surpassing output.
As part of ZimTrade’s mandate to grow exports, its focus is on capacity building through teaching farmers on market penetration, value addition, global trends and packaging – factors that are key to success in exporting.
“Farmers looking to tap into international markets are encouraged to utilise ZimTrade’s value added services, which include access to market intelligence, as well as capacity development,” said Mr Majuru.
In addition, Belarus is a huge market for essential oils whose total import value has grown from US$202 million in 2012 to US$319 million in 2021.
“Currently, there are buyers from Germany who are importing baobab and marula oil from rural communities in Zimbabwe.
“The same suppliers can be capacitated to boost production so they can supply the essential oils market in Belarus,” said Mr Majuru.
Online Reporter