Zim has fastest growing blueberry industry but is ...

Zim has fastest growing blueberry industry but is not largest exporter in the world

Zimbabwe is not the leading blueberry exporter in the world, contrary to some media reports.

The claim was attributed to a 2023 study by EastFruit, an information and analytical platform for the fruit and vegetable business. A section of the report reads: “In 2022, Zimbabwe saw an 85% growth in blueberry exports, surpassing 5,000 tonnes, elevating the country to the top 15 global exporters list. According to a recent report, Zimbabwe is presently the foremost global exporter of blueberries, outpacing all other nations in growth”.

According to the Horticultural Development Council, Zimbabwe where climatic conditions allow high yields from open field planting and early delivery into export markets doubled its blueberry production to 7,000 metric tons this year.

Andrij Yarmak, an economist at the investment department of the Food and Agriculture Organization said Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports are currently growing faster than any other country in the world.