This expansion highlights the country’s rising presence in the international fruit market, driven largely by blueberry production.

Blueberries have played a central role in this growth, outpacing other fruits such as grapes, cranberries, bilberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and dried fruits.

Favorable climatic conditions and expanding commercial farming operations have contributed to the industry’s strength and ability to meet international demand.

All berries produced in Zimbabwe are destined for export, with no local sales recorded. European countries, particularly Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, remain key buyers.

Other significant markets include the United Kingdom, the Far East—covering Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia—and the United Arab Emirates. This global demand underscores the sector’s importance to Zimbabwe’s economy.

Sustaining this growth requires substantial investment. Establishing a single hectare of berry production demands an initial investment ranging from US$70,000 to US$120,000.

Industry stakeholders are planning a 50-hectare expansion, which is expected to cost between US$5 million and US$6 million.

To support these financial needs, structured financing models, including debt and equity financing, are being considered. A five-year tenure at a 10% annual interest rate has been proposed.

Despite the success, several difficulties persist. The lack of structured finance backed by the government limits indigenous farmers’ participation in the sector.

Additionally, berry farming relies heavily on irrigation, requiring each plant to receive five liters of water daily. Efficient drip irrigation systems are essential, making reliable electricity crucial for farm operations.

Cold chain logistics also present difficulties, as maintaining quality during transportation is vital for export success. Investments in pack sheds, refrigerated trucks, tractors, and sorting machines are necessary to keep berries in optimal condition for international markets.

Another issue is the limited expertise in blueberry farming, which remains relatively new in Zimbabwe. The industry is focusing on training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to equip farmers with the necessary skills to improve yields and meet global quality standards.

While the berry industry is expanding, Zimbabwe’s broader horticulture sector is experiencing disruptions due to KLM/MartinAir’s decision to suspend flights to the country. This move is expected to impact exports to Europe, a key destination for Zimbabwean produce.

The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has voiced concerns over the airline’s suspension. “The suspension of the KLM/MartinAir service to Harare is a matter of concern for Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry, a vital sector that contributes substantially to the nation’s economy through exports,” HDC stated.

For nearly three decades, KLM/MartinAir has played a crucial role in transporting Zimbabwean horticultural products to Amsterdam, a gateway to European markets.

The loss of this service poses logistical difficulties for exporters, who depend on timely and efficient transportation to maintain product freshness.

Zimbabwean exporters are already facing difficulties securing cargo space due to changes in EU carbon emission regulations and adjustments in airfreight services.

This situation has been further complicated by a decline in the production of key export crops, including peas and flowers, during the 2022/23 season. As a result, Zimbabwe’s negotiating position for air cargo services has weakened, making it more difficult to secure alternative carriers.

Despite these setbacks, industry stakeholders are optimistic that alternative solutions can be found. HDC has suggested using regional hubs in Ethiopia, Doha, and Dubai as potential routes to maintain access to European markets.