Zimbabwe’s blueberry production doubled to 7000 tons in November 2023 in line with the Horticulture Development Council (HDC)’s forecast.
HDC now predicts that horticultural production in the country will treble in 5 years.
Paving the way for that prediction, wheat production has already shot up to 468,000 metric tonnes. The tobacco harvest has garnered 300 million kilograms in 2023, part of which generated $1 billion worth of exports.
It is blueberries, however, that have got the most attention. Their production rose from a mere 2000 metric tonnes in 2020 to the phenomenal 7000-tonne margins of 2023.
At a bouncing rate of 1200 tons per year, Zimbabwe’s blueberry production has been growing by 63% annually, the fastest globally.
How old is Berry production in Zimbabwe?
HDC says that berry production is a a relatively new venture in the country. The very first crop sprout to the east of Harare in as late as 2017, making it a six-year old venture today.
Raspberries and blueberries were the initial berries to grow here. Since then, the blueberry output has surpassed its cousin beyond expectations.
Zimbabwe’s blueberry season runs from August though October, which coincides with that of Limpopo’s blueberry belt in South Africa.
Where do Berries Grow in Zimbabwe?
The epicentre of Zimbabwe’s blueberry production is Mashonaland, which includes East, Central and West provinces.
Mashonaland East is home to the capital Harare and boasts a thriving commercial centre for blueberries due to its high population.
Another part of Northeast Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland East province is Marondera, famous for its towering granite ridges. Here, blueberry production is under the sandy loam soils of the region. Locals have lent these soils the moniker ‘tobacco soil’ due to tinge.
Which are the Export markets?
Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports mainly ship to the UK, the European Union and the Far-East. The Middle-east is also an emerging lucrative market because of its proximity by air.
The 2022 exports surged by 85% and helped give Zimbabwe the 15th slot in the global blueberry-exporting nations.
Blueberries production increased by 2300 tonnes in 2022, which in turn soared to7000 tonnes in 2023. This improved the export figures even further.
Huddles vs Health Benefits
Despite the impressive run, there are currency huddles but the balancing factor of the health benefits of blueberries is driving exports.
For one, the blueberry sector of Zimbabwe faces a currency crisis, threatening the silver lining on its blueberry exports. Reuters reported in November that the local currency loss over the dollar and top-level borrowing is crushing the sector. On December 4, 2023, 1 Zimbabwean dollar was equal to 0.003106 U.S. dollars.
On the flip side is a growing global consciousness for eating healthy. With their immunity-boosting and health-protectiveness benefits, blueberries are in high demand.
For this reason, Zimbabwe can bask on continued exports of its boundary-pushing new fruit.