Zimbabwe Berries Export Boom Nets Over US$50 Million in 2024

 

Witness Runodada 

Zim Now reporter

 

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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.