Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera, Specialist Writer — Agribusiness
ZIMBABWE is seeking to ramp up blueberry production by 50 percent to 12 000 tonnes this year as the country continues to make strides towards achieving its ambitious 2030 target of 30 000 tonnes.
This emerged as Zimbabwe celebrated World Blueberry Day, July 8.
This year, the country targets a 50 percent growth, increasing production from 8 000 tonnes last year to 12 000 tonnes.
Horticultural Development Council (HDC) chief executive, Mrs Linda Nielsen, said the World Blueberry Day was a moment to celebrate a super fruit that has become one of Zimbabwe’s most promising horticultural success stories.
“Over the past decade, blueberries have emerged as a high-value export crop, driven by rising global demand and the dedication of our skilled growers. This season, we expect to produce 12 000 tonnes of blueberries, up from last year’s 8 000 tonnes,” she said.
Mrs Nielsen said while this was a commendable increase from last year, it was important to note that it was driven largely by improved yields from existing fields rather than a major expansion in hectarage.
“This highlights the need to accelerate policies that encourage investment in new planting. Looking to 2030, we are cautiously optimistic, our vision is to expand production area to 1 500 hectares from the current 650ha to reach up to 30 000 tonnes in annual production,” Mrs Nielsen said.
She said achieving this depended on how quickly current barriers to investment and growth were overcome.
“Some of the challenges to be addressed relate to issues of a supportive exchange rate policy, including a review of retention thresholds to improve farmer viability.
“Investment in infrastructure, especially cold chain and logistics, would help our produce get to markets more efficiently,” she said.
Other cost drivers include utilities such as energy and water, which are negatively impacting viability.
Mrs Nielsen said proactive engagement with the Government and relevant stakeholders continued on these and other matters affecting the industry.
Zimbabwe offers unique climatic conditions that give blueberries a distinct advantage in size, flavour and texture.
This makes them 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.
“Our early-season window gives local growers a competitive edge, allowing them to enter global markets ahead of other producers. As harvesting reaches its peak, farmers must take proactive steps to manage frost risk, including investment in frost fans, irrigation systems and monitoring,” she said.
Currently, blueberries are being produced in several areas in the three Mashonaland provinces and Manicaland.
“Overall, Zimbabwe has very good climate conditions for high-quality berry production.
The majority of Zimbabwe’s produce is currently air freight with producers always looking at the most viable routes to market,” Mrs Nielsen said.
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$11,1 million in 2020 to US$50,1 million last year.
In volume terms, the exports rose from 2 503 tonnes 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.
The industry has been experiencing a compound annual growth rate of 34,3 percent over the period.
Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry began with small experimental plantings in 2008, but it was not until 2017 that the country made its debut on the global market with its first commercial exports of the crop.
