Zimbabwe targets global market growth with blueberry expansion

HARARE, 25 February (BelTA - ZBC) - ZIMBABWE’S blueberry sub-sector is recording strong growth, driven by rising global demand, favourable climatic conditions and a competitive marketing window.

Mashonaland East Province has consolidated its position as the country’s leading producer of the high-value crop, with farmers increasing both hectarage and yields.
Wiserow Enterprises in Marondera, which began production in 2017, has expanded its blueberry hectarage from 12 to 69 hectares and is set to plant an additional 16 hectares this year. Output has risen from 12 tonnes per hectare to at least 20 tonnes per hectare this season.

As a country, there is definitely room for expansion due to the growing demand. The market has been growing every year since 2018 by 11 per cent.

As Zimbabwe diversifies beyond traditional crops, blueberries are emerging as a potential major foreign currency earner.