Avo producers from Zimbabwe will join South African exporters in sending fruit to China, it has emerged.
According to the Harare-based Horticultural Development Council, “Avocados can now be exported to the Chinese market for the first time, thanks to a new agriculture protocol signed between the two countries at the ongoing Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (Focac) in Beijing.”
The council said it was an “excellent opportunity” and to take full advantage would require strategic intent to meet the strict requirements of the Chinese market.
“We are ready to discuss investment requirements.”
Zimbabwe is projected to produce a record 6 000 metric tonnes of avocados in 2024.
The volume of exports to China would depend on the terms outlined in the new protocol, particularly sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and the associated costs for exporters, the Council said.
The body added that it was also “working with stakeholders to pursue similar protocols for blueberries, pecans, and macadamia nuts for the Chinese market”.
