Tiyani Hahlani
Zimbabwe’s berry industry is fast emerging as a key driver of agricultural exports, with earnings surging by 34 percent to US$10.4 million in the first nine months of 2025 — a rise attributed to increased production, firmer prices, and growing access to premium markets such as China.
Fresh data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) shows that the country exported 6 273 tonnes of berries between January and September this year, up from 5 319 tonnes during the same period in 2024.
Export values climbed from US$7.79 million to US$10.40 million, while the average price rose by 13 percent from US$1.46 to US$1.66 per kilogramme.
The strong performance highlights the growing importance of berries within Zimbabwe’s horticultural sub-sector.
The berry family includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries and cranberries, though blueberries account for much of the recent growth, buoyed by increased investment and improved agronomic practices.
Experts say the surge in exports reflects a broader shift toward high-value horticulture as the country seeks to diversify agricultural exports beyond traditional crops such as tobacco and citrus.
Zimbabwe’s recent signing of a blueberry export protocol with China has further boosted optimism in the industry.
The agreement allows local producers to access the Chinese market, subject to meeting stringent sanitary and phytosanitary standards, opening new opportunities for rural farmers and agribusinesses.
With growing investor interest and expanding export markets, the berry boom is poised to become a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s drive toward agricultural modernization and export diversification.
Zimbabwe’s unique climatic conditions give its berries a distinct advantage in size, flavour and texture, making them popular across global markets. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, low in calories, and high in vitamins C and K, making them an important part of a healthy diet.
Zimbabwe’s blueberry harvest season runs from May to October.
