Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Agriculture Reporter
Zimbabwe’s 2026 blueberry harvest and marketing season has gained momentum after the country dispatched three trial airfreight pallets to China, marking the first consignments under a new trade protocol.
Zimbabwe and China signed a citrus trade protocol in 2022, an avocado protocol in 2024, and the blueberry export protocol last year.
China has emerged as Zimbabwe’s third-largest export market, with bilateral trade volumes more than doubling over the past decade.
Delecta Fruits Private Limited key account manager for blueberries, Mr Rossouw Lambrechts, said his company and its grower partners had already moved decisively, sending three trial airfreight pallets to China after the signing of the Zimbabwe–China blueberry protocol.
“Delecta chose the fastest route: methyl bromide fumigation before packing, followed by road transport to Johannesburg and airfreight to Shanghai via Hong Kong,” said Mr Lambrechts.
“China holds massive sales potential and we are already trading in other commodities, like pome fruit and stone fruit, at large scale, so the market is not unknown to us. We are taking our first steps in the Chinese blueberry market with a client with whom our relationship goes back many years.”
He said to differentiate and add value to its growers, the company was initially supplying only premium large berries (18mm and above).
Access to China was granted in early May under strict phytosanitary requirements.
Orchards must be inspected and registered, with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems in place and phytosanitary pests tightly controlled.
“The fruit must undergo fumigation or cold sterilisation prior to arrival. Hong Kong, Singapore and a few other Southeast Asian markets take Zimbabwean blueberries, but in smaller volumes,” said Mr Lambrechts.
“China is an opportunity to put down large volumes – it’s like a second Europe for Zimbabwe, volume-wise.”
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) exports were a major milestone for the country following the market access protocol signed between the two countries in 2025.
“This is an important first step in opening one of the world’s largest consumer markets to Zimbabwean growers.
“Congrats to all the growers and the partners who made this milestone possible. Now the real work begins,” said the HDC.
The HDC said the horticulture industry would continue pushing for policies that support increased production and keep testing the best routes to ensure a reliable supply of premium Zimbabwean blueberries to Chinese consumers.
Meanwhile, the HDC’s horticulture June 2026 update said Zimbabwe had approximately 650 hectares of blueberry production in 2025, exported about 9 500 tonnes and generated US$42,75 million in revenue.
“In 2026, production is expected to expand to around 800 hectares, with exports projected at 11 500 tonnes and revenue estimated at US$51,75 million,” said HDC.
“For growers, access to China means more market options, stronger demand and the potential for improved returns. As production continues to grow, diversified export markets will be essential to maintaining momentum.”
The HDC said after years of technical work and negotiations, Zimbabwe had finally completed the protocol procedures needed to access the Chinese market.
“The signing of the export protocol opens the door for Zimbabwean blueberries to enter one of the world’s largest consumer markets, creating new demand for local fruit from the 2026 season onwards,” said HDC.
“The protocol sets out the phytosanitary and food safety requirements that growers, packhouses and exporters must meet to access the market.
“These include strict standards on pest management, traceability, orchard registration, inspections and export certification. While the requirements are demanding, they also create an opportunity for the industry to strengthen production systems and improve competitiveness in other premium markets.”
The country’s new agriculture roadmap, the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2: 2026–30 (AFSRTS 2), revealed that Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector had undergone a resurgence since 2017, transforming from a low-performing industry into a dynamic growth engine.
From a 1999 peak of US$140 million to a US$20 million low, the sector has rebounded to over US$120 million in annual exports from 2023.
“This rebound has been fuelled by policy support, investments in high-value crops such as blueberries and avocados, export market diversification, resuscitation of conventional horticulture development, and better sector coordination,” read the AFSRTS 2.
Blueberry production started from experimental plantings in 2008 and had its first commercial exports in 2017.
Production increased from US$1 million in 2018 to US$50 million by 2024, with volumes surging by 351 percent since 2020.
Zimbabwe offers unique climatic conditions that give her berries a distinct advantage in size, flavour and texture.
This makes the berries popular in many markets around the world. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. They are also low in calories and high in vitamins C and K, making them a key part of a healthy diet.
Zimbabwe’s blueberry harvest season runs from May to October.
During a recent visit to Manicaland, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Zhou Ding, revealed that his country had expanded access for Zimbabwean agricultural products.
Through bilateral trade protocols, China is already importing tobacco, avocados, citrus fruits, dried chillies and macadamia nuts, with sesame now joining this growing list.
“Starting from May 2026, China has implemented its zero-tariff treatment for all products imported from 53 African countries, Zimbabwe included,” said Mr Zhou.
“This policy will substantially expand access for Zimbabwean products to the vast Chinese market, promote local industrial growth and create more jobs and income opportunities for Zimbabwe.
“Last year, nearly half of Zimbabwe’s tobacco output, valued at US$800 million, was exported to China. We also imported over 5 000 tonnes of macadamia nuts worth US$12 million. Zimbabwe’s citrus fruits, blueberries and dried chillies have also gained entry into the Chinese market.”
