Zimbabwe is targeting the establishment of 100 hectares of a newly introduced high-yield blueberry variety by the end of 2026 as the country continues to strengthen its position in the global horticulture market.

The initiative is being spearheaded by agricultural company Kuminda, which has secured exclusive rights to cultivate and distribute the Fruit Vision blueberry variety in Southern Africa through a partnership with Dutch breeder Fruit Vision.

New Blueberry Variety Offers Higher Yields

Kuminda Chief Executive Officer Clarence Mwale said the company has already established the first 10 hectares of the planned 50-hectare project at MatFarm in Marondera, while preparations are underway for an additional 20 hectares in Chinhoyi.

According to Mwale, the company is actively recruiting farmers through a contract farming model to expand cultivation of the variety across Zimbabwe.

“We are contracting farmers to grow our varieties, and we are optimistic that 100 hectares will be achieved by the end of 2026,” he said.

The Fruit Vision variety offers significantly higher productivity compared to conventional blueberry varieties, with yields of up to 65 tonnes per hectare, more than double the current average yield of approximately 30 tonnes per hectare.

The variety also provides a major cost advantage as it can be planted directly into suitable soils rather than requiring expensive pots or substrate-filled trenches commonly used in commercial blueberry production.

Contract Farming Model Targets Expansion

Kuminda has positioned the project as a major opportunity for commercial farmers, irrigation schemes, cooperatives and investors interested in high-value horticulture production.

The company said the minimum contract size is 2.5 hectares, with initial investment requirements ranging between US$100,000 and US$150,000 per hectare. However, costs can be significantly reduced where farms already possess suitable soil conditions.

Plant material for the project will be imported from the Netherlands through Agriom BV, developers of the Fruit Vision varieties.

The company is also seeking partnerships with financial institutions, government-backed programmes and development agencies to improve access to financing for potential growers.

Blueberries Driving Zimbabwe’s Horticulture Growth

Blueberries have become one of Zimbabwe’s most successful horticultural export crops over the past decade, contributing significantly to the sector’s recovery and export expansion.

The country’s horticultural exports increased by 74 percent from US$101 million in 2016 to US$176 million in 2024, with blueberries emerging as one of the fastest-growing contributors.

Zimbabwe’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to produce premium-quality blueberries during an early-season export window, allowing growers to access international markets before major competitors.

The country’s blueberries are recognised globally for their quality, size, flavour, texture and taste, making them highly attractive to buyers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The blueberry harvesting and export season typically runs from April to October, with the majority of production occurring between August and October.

Industry Targets Significant Expansion by 2030

The expansion aligns with broader industry ambitions to significantly increase blueberry production over the next five years.

The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) is targeting an increase in blueberry production area from the current 800 hectares to 1,500 hectares, with annual output expected to reach approximately 30,000 tonnes.

Industry estimates indicate that achieving these targets will require investments of approximately US$108 million by 2030.

The sector is also identified as a priority growth area under Zimbabwe’s Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2), which aims to accelerate agricultural diversification, export growth and rural development between 2026 and 2030.

According to the strategy, investments in high-value horticultural crops such as blueberries and avocados have played a major role in revitalising Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry.

Blueberry Industry Continues Rapid Growth

Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade.

From small experimental plantings introduced in 2008, the sector has evolved into one of the country’s most valuable horticultural export industries.

Commercial exports began in 2017, and export earnings have grown rapidly, increasing from approximately US$1 million in 2018 to US$50 million in 2024.

Production volumes have also expanded significantly, rising by more than 350 percent since 2020.

Industry stakeholders believe the introduction of higher-yielding varieties such as Fruit Vision could further accelerate growth and strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in international markets.

Outlook for Zimbabwe’s Blueberry Sector

The planned expansion of the Fruit Vision blueberry variety highlights Zimbabwe’s growing ambition to become a leading supplier of premium blueberries to global markets.

With increasing demand for healthy foods worldwide, strong export opportunities and supportive agricultural policies, the sector is expected to remain one of the country’s most promising horticultural industries.

If the 100-hectare target is achieved, the project could provide a significant boost to production, farmer incomes, export earnings and Zimbabwe’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.