Market Trends of Zimbabwe Fruits And Vegetables Industry
Growing Opportunities in Fruit Exports
- As global demand for fresh fruits surges, heightened health awareness and evolving diets are propelling this trend. Zimbabwe, rich in wild fruits brimming with vital nutrients, stands to benefit significantly. According to the Horticultural Department Council (HDC) of Zimbabwe, the nation currently garners USD 120 million annually from its fruit sector, with ambitions to escalate this figure to USD 1 billion by 2030. Data from Michigan State University highlights that fruits and nuts rank among Zimbabwe's top ten export commodities. Key importers include South Africa, Mozambique, the United Kingdom, and Zambia. ITC Trade data reveals that in 2023, South Africa's imports of Zimbabwean fruits were valued at USD 15.2 million.
- Zimbabwe's export fruits encompass citrus varieties (oranges, grapefruit, lemons), subtropical selections (bananas, mangoes, passionfruit), deciduous types (peaches, apricots, plums, nectarines), apples, pears, and strawberries. Notably, citrus fruits dominate the export landscape, witnessing a consistent rise over the past eight years. The pinnacle was reached in 2022, with a record export value of USD 33.78 million, as reported by the Competition Tariff Commission (CTC). Fresh and dried oranges lead the export lineup.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
Increasing Vegetable Production Driving the Market
- In Zimbabwe, vegetable production takes precedence over fruit cultivation. In 2022, vegetables made up 10% of the nation's total crop production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Matabeleland South, contributing 15% to the nation's crop output, is set to become Zimbabwe's leading vegetable-producing region.
- During winter, smallholders ramp up their cultivation of vegetables and legumes. Interestingly, while most smallholders purchase seeds, only 8% rely on their own reserves. Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape is rich and varied, with a spectrum of vegetables being cultivated, including tomatoes, okra, cabbage, and carrots, across both the dry and rainy seasons. In 2022, tomatoes stood out with a production volume of 26,387 metric tons, as per the data by FAO Statistics.
- Modern agricultural practices have taken root in Zimbabwe, with greenhouses and precision irrigation systems being employed, all in line with Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) principles. Horticultural businesses, spanning production, processing, and marketing, have strategically set up near urban centers like Harare and Mutare, as well as along key transportation routes. Notably, Zimbabwe's vegetable exports have found a receptive destinations in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland.
