Zimbabwe Becomes A Global Leader In Blueberry Export Growth
There is currently an investment boom in blueberry farming in Zimbabwe which has made the southern African the world leader in the growth rate of blueberry exports.
According to EastFruit, new plantations are established in Zimbabwe mainly by investors from South Africa, who often diversify or even move production to the country due to very favourable climatic conditions, availability of high-quality water for irrigation and cheap labour.
Blueberry production in Zimbabwe is developed mainly by investors who already have experience growing blueberries in similar climatic conditions and this means that the productivity of the plantations and the quality of the products are quite high.
Additionally, investors already have established blueberry sales channels, which allows them to do the same with berries grown in Zimbabwe.
As a result, Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports are currently growing faster than any other country in the world, an incredible achievement for a country that is better known for its record-breaking hyperinflation rates and poverty.
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Andrij Yarmak, an economist at the investment department of the Food and Agriculture Ministry, UN organisation (FAO), said:
On average over the past five years, Zimbabwe has increased blueberry exports by 63% each year or by 1,200 tones.
In 2022, exports grew by 85% or 2.3 thousand tons and exceeded 5 thousand tons, which allowed the country to enter the top 15 countries in blueberry exports and overtake Serbia in volume.
EastFruit experts expect that in 2023, blueberry exports from Zimbabwe could grow by another 30-40% and reach 6.5-7.0 thousand tons.
Some of the blueberries from Zimbabwe are exported to South Africa, apparently for further re-exports.
The country also directly exports fresh blueberries to the UK, EU and Middle East countries, as well as to Russia.
Below are some of the common uses of blueberries:
- Blueberries can be eaten fresh as a delicious and healthy snack.
- They can be used in baking, such as in blueberry muffins, pancakes, pies, or tarts.
- Blueberries can be added to salads for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
- They can be used in smoothies or blended into sauces and dressings.
- Blueberries can be used as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or cereal.
- They can be made into jams, jellies, or preserves.
- Blueberries can be used to infuse flavor into water, teas, or cocktails.
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