Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry is positioning itself for a larger stake in the lucrative global fresh produce market, leveraging an early export window, rising yields and expanding hectarage to consolidate its presence in Europe and Asia.
Blueberries have emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing horticultural exports over the past decade, driven by increasing global demand for antioxidant-rich fruits and Zimbabwe’s favourable climatic conditions.
Unlike traditional crops, blueberries offer high returns per hectare and early production, with farmers beginning to harvest within the first year of planting.
Wiserow Enterprises junior manager Mark Swaneporl stated that the sector’s growth trajectory is underpinned by strong international demand that continues to outpace local supply growth.
“The global blueberry market has been expanding by about 11 percent annually since 2018, and Zimbabwe has not been growing at that same pace. That shows there is significant room for expansion.”
He stated that yield performance depends on the variety grown, with some cultivars producing between 12 and 14 tonnes per hectare, while high-performing varieties can exceed 20 or even 30 tonnes per hectare.
“We are targeting 20 tonnes per hectare this season. We are currently harvesting 69 hectares and we are expanding by 16 hectares in April, with potential for further expansion,” he stated.
Zimbabwe’s competitive edge lies in its export timing. The country enters the international market earlier than major producers such as Peru and Morocco, allowing local exporters to access premium prices before global supply peaks.
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Mashonaland East Acting Provincial Director for Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Services Mr Calisto Masiiwa stated that Zimbabwe’s production calendar gives it both comparative and competitive advantage.
“Zimbabwe enjoys a market window where we deliver earlier than most major producers such as Peru and Morocco. We also benefit from a favourable climate that produces high-quality blueberries.”
He stated that Mashonaland East province leads national production, with approximately 550 hectares under blueberries and 16 active growers delivering strong crop performance.
“We have seen yield levels increasing from about 13 tonnes per hectare to around 22 tonnes per hectare. Farmers are expanding their operations, and we are encouraging new farmers to come on board,” he stated.
Masiiwa further stated that the sector holds strong export potential, particularly in Asia and Europe.
“There is significant demand in both Asian and European markets. It is a lucrative sector with vast potential, and we are encouraging financiers to support expansion.”
Within the province, Goromonzi leads in blueberry production, followed by Marondera and Seke, forming a production corridor that anchors Zimbabwe’s export pipeline.
As the country diversifies beyond traditional export crops such as tobacco and horticultural staples, blueberries are steadily emerging as a high-value foreign currency earner. With improving yields, expanding hectarage and strategic market timing, Zimbabwe is increasingly staging itself as a competitive player in the global blueberry trade.
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