Online Reporter
Kudzanai Sharara in Berlin, Germany
The Zimbabwe Pavilion remained a hive of international activity on the second day of the prestigious Fruit Logistica trade fair here, with local exhibitors reporting an exceptional level of engagement, amid strong optimism for long-term export deals.
Facilitated by ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion body, the pavilion is hosting 30 Zimbabwean companies, with 12 exhibiting on the stand itself.
The venue saw a constant throng of international buyers keen to explore the country’s horticultural offerings, from avocados and blueberries to more niche products like dragon fruit.
“The stand has been really busy,” remarked former national cricket captain turned blueberry farmer, Mr Alistair Campbell.
“People want to find out what’s going on in Zimbabwe, what’s available… we have been receiving a lot of inquiries and a lot of good traction.”
He noted particular interest from freight companies and marketers exploring supply chain logistics.
The quality and perceived organic nature of Zimbabwean fruit are a major draw.
“What I have continuously heard is the great reputation of the quality of fruits from Zimbabwe,” said Mr Simba Usore of Naturale Frozen Fruits, whose expectations for the event have been exceeded. “We have a good story to tell.”
Commercial director for Cicada, Ms Karen Jiri, identified avocados as the most popular product among visitors.
She emphasised the importance of the platform for connecting with both existing and new buyers from across the globe, including the Middle East, the UAE and China.
“Being able to invest in certifications like Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) has really been able to open up the doors to access these international markets,” she added.
The pavilion’s collective presence, supported by the UK Development Agency, was highlighted as crucial for smaller enterprises.
“It just makes the engagement of our buyers so much better if we have our own stand,” said Mr Heinrich von Pezold of Forrester Estate, expressing gratitude for the ZimTrade initiative, which made participation feasible.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the trade mission yielded high-level diplomatic engagement.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany, Mrs Alice Mashingaidze, alongside ZimTrade’s director of operations, Mr Similo Nkala, met with the chief executive officer of a major German company with over 10 000 employees.
“They are ready to engage Zimbabwe, to cooperate with Zimbabwe, and to work with Zimbabwe in all sectors,” Ambassador Mashingaidze said, citing agriculture, processing, mining and tourism as areas for potential collaboration.
For newer ventures like Bulawayo Dragon Fruit Farm, the fair has provided vital market intelligence.
Founder, Mr Ethan Hanley, reported interest from the EU, Turkey and the Middle East, alongside crucial learnings on certifications and logistics required for global expansion.
The overwhelming consensus from Zimbabwean exhibitors points to a successful mission that is set to broaden the nation’s access to lucrative markets and strengthen vital trade linkages, translating promising conversations into future export growth.
