Zimbabwe has exported its first commercial shipment of fresh blueberries to China, cracking open one of the world's largest and fastest-growing fruit markets after meeting Beijing's demanding phytosanitary requirements.
Harare-based exporter Delecta Fruit dispatched three trial airfreight pallets to Shanghai this week, routing the fruit through methyl bromide fumigation before transporting it by road to Johannesburg and flying it to China via Hong Kong.
"An exciting step forward as we explore the significant potential China holds for Zimbabwean blueberries and continue opening new opportunities for our growers," said Delecta Fruit blueberry category head Rossouw Lambrechts.
The breakthrough follows a phytosanitary protocol signed between Zimbabwe and China in September 2025 during President Emmerson Mnangagwa's visit to Beijing. To gain access, Zimbabwean orchards must be inspected and registered, with integrated pest management systems in place and fruit undergoing fumigation or cold sterilisation before arrival.
Zimbabwe also benefits from China's zero-tariff policy covering all 53 African countries with which Beijing maintains diplomatic relations, which took effect on May 1, 2026 meaning Zimbabwean blueberries enter the Chinese market duty-free.
China's blueberry imports have surged from barely 665 tonnes in 2005 to nearly 39 000 tonnes in 2024, driven mainly by Peru and Chile. Lambrechts said China could absorb volumes on a par with the European Union and United Kingdom combined.
"China is an opportunity to put down large volumes it's like a second Europe for Zimbabwe, volume-wise," he said.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC), which represents Zimbabwean growers, said the country had approximately 650 hectares under blueberry production in 2025, exporting around 9 500 tonnes. Production this year is expected to grow to 850 hectares, with exports projected to reach 12 000 tonnes up from 8 000 tonnes recorded in 2024.
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Zimbabwe is Africa's third-largest blueberry producer after Morocco and South Africa. The country began small-scale cultivation in 2008 and achieved its first exports in 2017. Since 2018, exports have grown tenfold, with existing markets concentrated in the EU, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
"Now, work shifts to scaling production and testing the best supply routes to this huge new market," the HDC said in a statement.
The blueberry sector falls under the government's Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, which targets a US$2 billion horticulture industry. The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe is reportedly considering raising US$50 million to support the sector, with plans to expand blueberry cultivation from the current level to 1 500 hectares.
