Zimbabwean horticultural farmers are targeting the production of 30,000 metric tonnes of blueberries by 2030, but are being hindered by a lack of investment capital.
Since the first blueberry exports in 2017, Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry has experienced “incredible” growth, reaching 5,500 tonnes exported last year. This rapid expansion has made the country’s blueberry sector the fastest-growing in the world.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.freshplaza.com/africa/article/9680197/zimbabwe-has-the-world-s-fastest-growing-blueberry-industry/">Fresh Plaza</a>, Linda Nielsen, CEO of the Horticultural Development Council, said that challenges such as unfavourable foreign exchange policies and high borrowing costs are preventing the sector from reaching its full potential. Said Nielsen:
<blockquote>
This year we’re aiming for 8,000 tonnes. However, the expansion is not from new plantings, but from plant maturity because we still don’t have enough capital to expand.
Our long-term goal is to reach 1,500 hectares of blueberry cultivation by 2030, producing 30,000 metric tonnes.
This could bring in as much revenue as our total horticultural exports did back in the 1990s.
But to do this, we estimate that growers would need a major investment of around US$240 million in new investment.
Zimbabwe’s overall horticulture sector has shown significant growth in recent years with exports currently above 113 million metric tonnes, largely attributed to the resilience of traditional exports such as citrus and the emergence of high-demand crops like blueberries.
</blockquote>
Nielsen said that Zimbabwe’s horticultural plans can only succeed with adequate water resources, noting that climate change is a reality the country’s farms are addressing through improved water management and storage techniques.
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Zimbabwe wants to grow lots of blueberries by 2030, but not enough money. They exported 5,500 tonnes of blueberries last year. Their goal is 30,000 metric tonnes. Challenges like bad exchange rates and high costs stop them from growing more. They need $240 million to expand. Blueberries are becoming more popular in Zimbabwe and can make a lot of money. They need enough water and have to deal with climate change. Their horticulture sector is growing fast, with many exports. They need help to keep growing and reach their goals.

Zimbabwe Targets 30,000 Metric Tonnes Of Blueberries By 2030

Zimbabwe’s blueberry production, one of the country’s fastest-growing crops, is under threat from a currency crisis and high borrowing costs, the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has said.
HDC is a non-profit, membership-driven organisation in the export horticultural industry.
According to HDC, Zimbabwe doubled its blueberry production to 7 000 metric tonnes this year.
The country’s climatic conditions allow high yields from open-field planting and early delivery into export markets.
However, plantings, which have expanded by nearly 800 percent to 575 hectares since 2018, stagnated this year as farmers grappled with high borrowing costs and the impact of a volatile economic climate. Reuters quoted HDC as saying:
<blockquote>
There were no significant new blueberries in 2023 as growers recovered from a tough 2022. An additional 100 hectares is anticipated only in 2024.
</blockquote>
The HDC said high interest rates and limited access to long-term financing are negatively affecting blueberry farmers who only receive 75 percent of their export earnings in United States dollars.
The farmers are also seeking income tax holidays, a removal of import duty for key inputs and a reduction in land levies to promote the industry which is still in its infancy. Said HDC:
<blockquote>
Unless policy issues are resolved, this promising industry risks stagnation and Zimbabwe will miss out on a strong opportunity to position itself as a leader on the global stage.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://east-fruit.com/en/news/surprisingly-zimbabwe-becomes-a-global-leader-in-blueberry-export-growth/">EastFruit</a>, Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports are currently growing faster than any other country in the world.
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Zimbabwe’s Economic Challenges Threaten Emergent Blueberry Sector

There is currently an investment boom in blueberry farming in Zimbabwe which has made the southern African the world leader in the growth rate of blueberry exports.
According to <a href="https://east-fruit.com/en/news/surprisingly-zimbabwe-becomes-a-global-leader-in-blueberry-export-growth/">EastFruit</a>, new plantations are established in Zimbabwe mainly by investors from South Africa, who often diversify or even move production to the country due to very favourable climatic conditions, availability of high-quality water for irrigation and cheap labour.
Blueberry production in Zimbabwe is developed mainly by investors who already have experience growing blueberries in similar climatic conditions and this means that the productivity of the plantations and the quality of the products are quite high.
Additionally, investors already have established blueberry sales channels, which allows them to do the same with berries grown in Zimbabwe.
As a result, Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports are currently growing faster than any other country in the world, an incredible achievement for a country that is better known for its record-breaking hyperinflation rates and poverty.
Andrij Yarmak, an economist at the investment department of the Food and Agriculture Ministry, UN organisation (FAO), said:
<blockquote>
On average over the past five years, Zimbabwe has increased blueberry exports by 63% each year or by 1,200 tones.
In 2022, exports grew by 85% or 2.3 thousand tons and exceeded 5 thousand tons, which allowed the country to enter the top 15 countries in blueberry exports and overtake Serbia in volume.
</blockquote>
EastFruit experts expect that in 2023, blueberry exports from Zimbabwe could grow by another 30-40% and reach 6.5-7.0 thousand tons.
Some of the blueberries from Zimbabwe are exported to South Africa, apparently for further re-exports.
The country also directly exports fresh blueberries to the UK, EU and Middle East countries, as well as to Russia.
Below are some of the common uses of blueberries:
<ul>
<li>Blueberries can be eaten fresh as a delicious and healthy snack.</li>
<li>They can be used in baking, such as in blueberry muffins, pancakes, pies, or tarts.</li>
<li>Blueberries can be added to salads for a burst of flavor and nutrition.</li>
<li>They can be used in smoothies or blended into sauces and dressings.</li>
<li>Blueberries can be used as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or cereal.</li>
<li>They can be made into jams, jellies, or preserves.</li>
<li>Blueberries can be used to infuse flavor into water, teas, or cocktails.</li>
</ul>
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