Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S avocado industry is on course to produce about 6 000 tonnes this season, with growers reporting improved fruit quality despite harvesting delays caused by late rains.
The Horticulture Development Council (HDC) said favourable late-season rainfall had contributed to good fruit sizes, helping offset disruptions to harvesting operations.
“While rainfall delayed some harvesting activities, the improved fruit quality has been welcomed by producers,” said HDC in its latest industry update.
The council said the industry continues to make progress in expanding export opportunities, with efforts underway to access new international markets.
“India has acknowledged Zimbabwe’s market access application, and an inspection visit is expected,” said HDC.
The council also revealed that one grower is preparing a trial avocado shipment to China as part of ongoing efforts to diversify export destinations.
Despite the positive production outlook, HDC said access to long-term funding remains a major challenge for the sector.
“Long-term funding for orchard crops is still hard to secure, limiting expansion plans. International market conditions are also tight,” said the council.
HDC said increased avocado volumes from Peru were exerting downward pressure on prices in international markets.
“Large Peruvian volumes are pushing prices lower, which means smaller fruit sizes are becoming uneconomic to export,” it said.
The council said the industry’s priority remains opening new markets, improving returns for growers and maintaining production growth and fruit quality.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s pea industry is expecting to export about 10 000 tonnes this season, with small-scale farmers contributing between 30 and 40 percent of total export volumes.
HDC said while demand remains strong, rising logistics costs are affecting profitability.
“The biggest challenge is rising freight costs. Exporters are now paying about US$3,83 per kilogramme to deliver produce to London Heathrow, up from US$2,21 per kilogramme at the same time last year, while market prices have remained unchanged,” said the council.
It said disruptions in the Middle East had further increased shipping costs, while higher fuel prices were affecting production, particularly among smallholder farmers who rely on diesel-powered irrigation systems.
“Many have reduced production or exited the sector altogether. Seed supply issues are another concern, with contaminated sugar snap seed affecting yields and threatening export quality,” said HDC.
The council said industry players are advocating for a shift from air freight to sea freight as a way of reducing export costs.
However, HDC noted that such a transition would require significant investment in cold chain infrastructure, pre-cooling facilities and the consistent production of high-quality produce.
