Zimbabwe horticultural producers eye export deals from China

THE national trade promotion and development body, ZimTrade, has organised the Zimbabwe-China Horticulture Buyers Engagement from April 8 to 10 in Mutare, to facilitate the growth of horticultural exports to Asia’s largest economy.

The three-day programme will centre on direct business-to-business meetings between Zimbabwean producers and Chinese importers, wholesalers and retailers.

ZimTrade said in its latest newsletter that the engagements were designed to facilitate export deals and build lasting trade relationships, particularly in high-value crops such as macadamia nuts, citrus, avocados and blueberries.

“Farm visits and packhouse tours have been lined up to give visiting buyers a closer look at production systems, post-harvest handling and compliance with export standards.

“The tours are expected to provide practical insight into how Zimbabwean producers are managing quality, volumes and traceability, which are all key considerations for entry into the Chinese market,” it said.

The event will also highlight investment opportunities within the horticulture value chain, while gaps in cold chain infrastructure, transport logistics and agro-processing continue to affect the sector’s ability to compete effectively, particularly in distant markets such as China.

ZimTrade said addressing these constraints is critical to sustaining export growth.
“The upcoming engagement is also expected to provide a platform for learning and exchange. Producers will have the opportunity to receive feedback from buyers, while also gaining a clearer understanding of expectations in terms of quality, consistency and supply capacity.

“The engagement comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to increase horticultural exports, supported by rising demand for fresh produce in China and improved access to that market,” added ZimTrade.

The national trade promotion body said macadamia nuts and citrus remained the country’s leading horticultural exports to China and attention is now shifting to avocados and blueberries, which have recently secured access to the Chinese market following the finalisation of export protocols with the Asian giant.

ZimTrade, the trade protocols agreed between Zimbabwe and China, set out the phytosanitary and food safety requirements that exporters must meet.

“They also provide a structured pathway for local producers to enter the market, covering areas such as pest control, grading, packaging and traceability. Efforts are also being directed at strengthening the capacity of local producers to participate in export markets.”

ZimTrade said experience from recent programmes has shown that production alone is not enough, while businesses must meet strict international standards, invest in proper packaging and branding, and establish reliable connections with buyers.

It said smaller producers, including women-led enterprises, often face additional barriers such as limited access to finance, certification processes and market information.

“Addressing these challenges has become a key focus area, with stakeholders calling for more co-ordinated support systems that can help businesses scale up for export.

“Structured engagements such as the Mutare event are increasingly being used to bridge this gap. Direct interaction between producers and buyers is critical in building trust, understanding market requirements and unlocking new opportunities,” said the country’s trade and export vehicle.

ZimTrade said Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector continues to attract interest as global demand for high-quality fresh produce grows, while expanding exports to China is viewed as part of broader efforts to diversify the country’s export base and reduce reliance on traditional commodities.