Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Agriculture Specialist Writer
THE country’s first shipment of mangetout and sugar snap peas has arrived in Dublin, Ireland, with another now in South Africa en route to the United Kingdom, as the country targets to export 10 000 tonnes this year.
The Horticultural Development Council’s (HDC) Export Produce Growers Association of Zimbabwe chairman, Mr Clarence Mwale, said the country had started peas export to capture the niche UK market.
Writing on his X account, Mr Mwale said their first delivery of mangetout and sugar snap peas to Ireland was well received and in good quality.
“Another shipment of the many to come this year is already at OR Tambo Airport in South Africa en route to London’s Heathrow Airport in the UK.
“This product is grown by small-scale farmers,” said Mr Mwale.
Local horticulture contracting concern Kuminda chief executive officer, Mr Mwale, said farmers needed to understand that the demands of the European Union and UK markets are high and have benefits of better prices and a constant and consistent market.
“The target is to export 10 000 tonnes and we can always export and negotiate prices. We should be able to take any prices and be competitive by starting sea freight early,” he noted.
The country needs to be attentive to consumer preferences and demand that require sea freight, which is more environmentally friendly than air freight.
“Prices are affected by sea freight from other countries, so we should position ourselves better for it. Air export via SA is very expensive. Generally, freight from Zimbabwe is very expensive,” lamented Mr Mwale.
He said the country would not be able to supply enough produce if no plans for a better sea freight option are effected now, as air freight is not sustainable.
Mr Mwale said his company was contracting small and medium-scale farmers from across Zimbabwe to grow the niche products for export to the EU and UK.
“Our small and medium-scale farmers are certified. We have arrangements with them to enable certification, as part of a contract or offtake agreement.
“We collect produce in refrigerated trucks back to our packhouse soon after harvest or ask farmers to deliver the same day during low temperatures of the day or night,” he disclosed.
