Arabfields, Sana Dib, Financial Correspondent, Johannesburg, South Africa — The arrival of winter in Zimbabwe signals more than just a change in season, it marks the beginning of the blueberry harvest, a period of intense activity and high hopes for the country’s horticultural sector. This year, however, the familiar hum of packhouses and the bustle of farms carry an extra current of excitement. For the first time, Zimbabwean blueberries are making their way to China, a development that growers and industry leaders believe could reshape the future of the nation’s agriculture.
The first commercial shipment, consisting of three trial airfreight pallets, recently touched down in Shanghai, marking the culmination of years of technical negotiations and diplomatic effort. This breakthrough was made possible by a phytosanitary protocol signed between Zimbabwe and China in late 2025, which established the stringent requirements for market access. The consignment, dispatched by Delecta Fruit, involved a meticulous process: methyl bromide fumigation in Harare, road transport to Johannesburg, and a final airfreight leg to Shanghai via Hong Kong.
Rossouw Lambrechts, the blueberry category lead at Delecta Fruit, explained that the decision to move quickly was driven by the immense potential of the Chinese market. “China holds massive sales potential and we are already trading in other commodities at large scale, so the market is not unknown to us,” he said, adding that the company is leveraging a long-standing client relationship for this new venture. To differentiate their offering, only premium berries measuring 18 millimetres and larger were selected for the first shipment, a strategy aimed at showcasing the quality of Zimbabwean produce.
The move is a significant milestone for an industry that has experienced a remarkable transformation. From experimental plantings in 2008 and first commercial exports in 2017, Zimbabwe has grown to become Africa’s third-largest blueberry producer, behind Morocco and South Africa. According to the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), the country’s blueberry sector has been on a steep growth trajectory, with export earnings soaring from a modest US$11 million in 2020 to an impressive US$50 million by 2024 . In 2025, Zimbabwe exported approximately 9,500 tonnes of blueberries from an estimated 650 hectares, generating US$42.75 million in revenue .
This year’s outlook is even more ambitious. With production expected to expand to around 850 hectares, the HDC projects exports to reach 12,000 tonnes, with revenue estimated at US$51.75 million. China’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to all products from Zimbabwe, a policy effective from May 2026, further sweetens the deal, making these exports more competitive in the vast Asian market .
The human element of this story is found on the farms and in the packhouses across the country. For growers like Alistair Campbell, who chairs the HDC, China represents more than just another buyer; it offers a vital market that can absorb the country’s rapidly increasing production. The opening comes at a time when the domestic industry is actively seeking to diversify beyond its traditional markets in Europe, the UK, and South Africa . While the European market remains primary, China offers a parallel opportunity to secure better prices and stability for farmers, potentially absorbing volumes comparable to a “second Europe”.
Linda Nielsen, CEO of the HDC, summed up the sentiment of the industry: “China has opened the door. As Zimbabwe, we must now make sure we have enough product to walk through it” . Her words highlight the central challenge that now lies ahead. The first shipment was a success, but it was a trial. The real work begins with scaling production to meet the demands of a market of 1.4 billion people.
Looking ahead to the next few years, the blueprint for growth is clear. Zimbabwe’s competitive advantage lies in its unique production window, which generally runs from April to October. Around 60 per cent of the crop is harvested from August to October, a period when there is less competition from major Southern Hemisphere producers like Peru . This early access allows Zimbabwean growers to target periods of limited global supply, which typically yields stronger demand and higher prices.
To fully capitalise on this advantage, the industry is rapidly modernising. Growers are investing in new, improved blueberry genetics from international breeding programmes. These low-chill and no-chill varieties offer stronger yields, better quality, longer shelf life, and more favourable production timing . As older varieties are replaced, Zimbabwean fruit is expected to become even more competitive in premium markets. The government’s Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, which aims to develop a US$2 billion horticulture industry, provides a strong policy framework for this expansion.
However, the path forward is not without its hurdles. Blueberries are a capital-intensive crop, requiring significant investment in infrastructure, irrigation, and cooling facilities . High interest rates and limited access to long-term finance remain a major constraint for many growers, particularly for new and emerging producers. Furthermore, Zimbabwe’s landlocked geography presents a logistical challenge, with reliable, cost-effective supply chains needing to be developed to ensure fruit quality over long distances.
Despite these obstacles, the mood is one of optimism. The successful entry into China has bolstered investor confidence and opened a new, vast channel for the country’s most dynamic horticultural export. As the industry shifts its focus from securing market access to proving it can reliably supply a world-class product, the first pallets to Shanghai are not just a symbolic achievement. They are a promise of a more prosperous and resilient future for the farmers and communities who have nurtured this “blue gold” from the ground up.
