Zimbabwe has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of its blueberry exports to China, following the signing of a new protocol during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s state visit to Beijing.

The agreement, announced on Thursday, offers local growers access to one of the world’s fastest-growing blueberry markets, serving a population of 1.4 billion.

Mnangagwa, who participated in commemorations marking China’s World War II victory and held bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping, underscored the deal’s potential.

The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) hailed the development as transformative, noting Zimbabwe’s projected blueberry production of 12,000 tonnes in 2025, up from 8,000 tonnes in 2024.

Exports to China will adhere to strict sanitary and phytosanitary standards, with compliance costs influencing the scale of shipments. The HDC suggested that, with supportive policies, Zimbabwe could emerge as Africa’s leading blueberry exporter.

This agreement builds on a 2024 avocado export protocol, reinforcing horticulture’s role in the government’s economic strategy, which aims for a US$2 billion industry under the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan.

China’s blueberry imports have surged from 665 tonnes in 2005 to nearly 39,000 tonnes in 2024, primarily sourced from Peru and Chile.

Zimbabwe’s entry introduces a variety noted for its unique taste and texture, with exports rising 13.3% in the 2024/25 season to 4,096 tonnes from 3,616 tonnes.