HARARE, ZIMBABWE — Zimbabwe has exported its first shipment of fresh blueberries to China, opening a new market for the country’s rapidly growing horticulture industry.
The Horticultural Development Council, HDC, says the shipment marks an important milestone for Zimbabwean growers following the conclusion of a phytosanitary agreement between Zimbabwe and China in 2025.
The agreement allows approved Zimbabwean producers and exporters to supply blueberries to the Chinese market provided they meet stipulated plant health, traceability and food-safety requirements.
Delecta Fruit Key Account Manager for Blueberries Rossouw Lambrechts says the first consignment consisted of three trial airfreight pallets destined for China.
Mr Lambrechts explained that the fruit was fumigated before packing and transported through South Africa before being flown to Shanghai via Hong Kong.
He noted that the initial shipment would also help exporters assess the most efficient routes for supplying the Chinese market.
Zimbabwe’s national trade promotion organisation, ZimTrade, has welcomed the development, describing access to China as an opportunity to diversify the country’s export base.
ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru says blueberries can help increase the contribution of high-value agricultural products to Zimbabwe’s exports to China, which have traditionally been dominated by minerals and tobacco.
Mr Majuru noted that sustained access to the Chinese market could encourage increased production while supporting investment in cold-chain infrastructure, packaging and certification.
Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, with the country now among Africa’s leading producers.
The exports also benefit from China’s zero-tariff treatment for products from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, which took effect on May 1, 2026.
The blueberry agreement follows earlier market-access protocols covering Zimbabwean citrus and avocados.
HDC officials say the focus will now be on increasing production, maintaining quality standards and developing reliable supply routes capable of delivering premium Zimbabwean blueberries to Chinese consumers.
The development provides another example of African agricultural producers seeking to use improved access to the Chinese market to diversify exports beyond traditional commodities.