Zimbabwe’s berry export industry has experienced a remarkable boom, with export earnings surging by 351% from US$11.1 million in 2020 to US$50.1 million in 2024.
The rise highlights the country’s growing role in the global berry market, especially in the export of blueberries.
Export volumes have also risen sharply, growing by 149% from 2,503 tonnes in 2020 to 6,240 tonnes in 2024. The trend is expected to continue with projected exports reaching 10,000 tonnes in 2025, marking a 25% increase from the previous year’s 8,000 tonnes. Zimbabwe has set an ambitious target of exporting 30,000 tonnes of blueberries annually by 2030.
The Netherlands emerged as the top export destination in 2024, importing US$14.5 million worth of berries, accounting for 29% of the total export value. Hong Kong followed closely with imports worth US$10.9 million (22%), while Germany imported US$7.2 million worth of berries, contributing 14% to the total. Hong Kong also offered the highest price per kilogram at US$14, with Singapore and Germany following at US$12/kg and US$9/kg respectively.
A key highlight has been the growth in blueberry exports, which leaped from just US$1 million in 2018 to US$50 million in 2024. This reflects a compound annual growth rate of 34.3% across the berry sector.
Zimbabwe’s competitive edge lies in the quality and taste of its berries, as well as an advantageous early export window that allows it to ship produce three to eight weeks ahead of major competitors such as Peru and Eastern Europe.
Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, the Zimbabwe National Army Chief of Staff, on Sunday headlined the 2025 Traditional Leaders Day in Zaka District, where he stressed the central role of tradit..
CARE Zimbabwe, alongside a coalition of local and international partners officially launched two significant development initiatives in Masvingo Province, designed to enhance climate change adaptati..
Veteran Hamilton Masakadza turned back the clock with a scintillating 74 as Takashinga Patriots 1 powered their way to the top of the 2025/26 NPL T20 Blast standings after an impressive weekend of c..
Leave Comments