• China approves Zimbabwean blueberry imports, opening new market.
• Chinese blueberry imports grew 17.56% annually, reaching $355M in 2024.
• Zimbabwe's blueberry output to rise 50% to 12,000 tons in 2025.

China has granted approval for the import of blueberries from Zimbabwe, a significant development that opens a new and rapidly expanding market for the Southern African nation's burgeoning horticultural sector. The move positions Zimbabwe to capitalize on China's increasing demand for blueberries, a market that has seen substantial growth in recent years.

The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), announced on September 4 by Zimbabwe's Horticultural Development Council (HDC). The MoU stipulates that the volume of blueberry shipments will be determined by China's stringent sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.

Today’s signing of a trade protocol, allowing access into the Chinese market for Zimbabwean blueberries, is a significant milestone in our efforts to expand fresh produce to new markets.

Read the HDC’s reaction to the great news here: pic.twitter.com/ZVk24njKqp

— Horticultural Development Council (@hdczim) September 4, 2025

Linda Nielsen, HDC Chief Executive Officer, hailed the agreement as a milestone for the Zimbabwean horticultural sector. She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to develop policies that foster investment, increase production to meet required volumes, and ensure Zimbabwean blueberries adhere to China's strict quality and phytosanitary standards.

The opportunity to access the Chinese market is particularly attractive given its robust growth. Data compiled on the Trade Map platform indicates that the value of Chinese blueberry imports has grown by an average of 17.56% annually, surging from $184.3 million in 2020 to nearly $355 million in 2024.

However, Zimbabwean blueberries will face stiff competition from established suppliers in the Chinese market, notably Peru and Chile. These two South American nations collectively accounted for 99% of China's blueberry purchases in 2024.

Despite the competitive landscape, access to the Chinese market is expected to further fuel Zimbabwe's ascent in global blueberry exports. EastFruit, a specialized agricultural news platform, highlighted in its latest global blueberry market analysis that Zimbabwe has recorded an impressive average annual growth of 48% in its blueberry shipments over the past five years.

According to the HDC, Zimbabwe's blueberry production is projected to increase by 50% to reach 12,000 tonnes in 2025.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum