Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
AVOCADO and macadamia farmers in Manicaland are set to up their game to meet the growing demand from China’s vast market following a visit this week by a delegation of the Asian country’s buyers to Chipinge, which is the hub of production of the in-demand fruits.
This development comes after Zimbabwe secured access to export avocados to China for the first time after signing the “Protocol for Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China” at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing in September 2024.
With China importing US$151,2 million worth of avocados and US$27 million worth of macadamia nuts in 2023, Zimbabwe’s contribution of US$8,5 million to these figures is expected to grow.
The visit by the Chinese buyers will enable farmers to export directly to the Asian country, eliminating middlemen who have been ripping them off.
This move potentially increases their profit margins.
Manicaland is home to over 530 macadamia nuts farmers, and well-positioned to capitalise on this opportunity as the sector is already showing signs of promising growth in Chipinge District.
The engagement was facilitated by the national export and trade promotion body, ZimTrade.
China Supply and Marketing Agricultural Service Company official, Mr Zheng Tang said there is vast market for both avocados and macadamia nuts in China, with an annual demand of 100 000 metric tonnes of avocados; of which 90 000mt are imported.
Mr Zheng added that Zimbabwe’s climate is similar to that of Mexico, which is the leading producer and supplier of avocados to China.
“It was not hard and difficult for us to choose Zimbabwe because the climatic conditions are similar with that of Mexico, which is the world’s top avocado producer. So Zimbabwe is a good place to produce avocados. The country is not producing enough avocados as it should, and there is a huge room to grow the sector. We hope our partnership will make Zimbabwe a leader in avocado production and export in the world,” said Mr Zheng.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said farmers must take advantage of the engagement with buyers to increase productivity as the market has been widened.
“Currently, China is our third largest trading partner and very soon they will be on number one. China imported over US$155,2 million worth of avocados and US$22m worth of macadamia nuts in 2023. As Government, we are committed to ensuring that the agricultural sector is well supported and we welcome partnerships that enhance trade and production.
“We have the land, water and climate conditions to enable us to do better. We encourage our farmers and exporters to take full advantage of this initiative as it represents a gateway to sustainable economic growth. Let language not be a barrier. We also encourage our farmers to learn a bit of the Chinese language so that engagement becomes easy.
“As Government, we are working tirelessly to create an enabling environment for investment in the agricultural sector. We also encourage increased investment in processing and value addition. To our Chinese counterparts, we invite you to come and explore various opportunities in our agricultural sector,” said Minister Mugadza.
ZimTrade director of operations, Mr Similo Nkala said the buyers’ engagement is set to result in increased exports of the in-demand produce to China.
“This buyers’ engagement is a follow-up to the FOCAC 2024 meeting with the Zimbabwe delegation that was led by President Mnangagwa. We have invited eight buyers of avocado and macadamia nuts from China, which is one of the biggest importers of avocado. There is a lot of potential for our avocado producers to further expand on that market.
“With regard to that, our producers in Chipinge and Manicaland will now export directly without going through middlemen. This will go a long way in terms of increasing our trade as a country, which has grown from about US$3,8 billion in 2014 to US$7,5 billion in 2024; with our target being US$14 billion by 2030,” said Mr Nkala.
The secretary of Chipinge Avocados Growers Association, Mrs Dephin Mbanje said the opening up of the Chinese market has given them the enthusiasm to produce more avocadoes to meet the new demand.
Mrs Mbanje challenged other women in Manicaland to take up avocado farming, describing it as a rewarding investment.
“We are grateful for ZimTrade’s efforts, particularly for avocado farmers, as we have been seeking a market for a long time. We were unable to sell or export our produce directly, but this initiative has brought us buyers keen to take our produce. We have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and the buyers have expressed interest in our produce. They are waiting for us to harvest and deliver to them.
“In the macadamia sector, we are now dealing directly with the buyers, cutting out middlemen. The engagement has been fruitful and impactful, with buyers expressing willingness to pay more than we receive from middlemen. As a female farmer, I am proud to be part of this historic process.
“We feel empowered by Government’s efforts to grow the agricultural sector. The protocol signed between Zimbabwe and China has given us the energy and zeal to work hard on the land. Government discovered our potential and has played its part,” said Mrs Mbanje.
Macadamia Producers Association of Zimbabwe secretary, Mr Fortune Gurai said by dealing directly with the buyers, their fortunes in terms of earnings will greatly improve.
He said horticultural products from Zimbabwe are renowned for their natural and organic nature, and will compete well in China.
“This is a welcome breakthrough for macadamia nuts and avocado farmers, as we have been at the mercy of middlemen every season.
“However, this is now changing due to this engagement meeting we are having with the buyers. They are informing us of their expectations in terms of quality and quantity. The prices of macadamia nuts are determined by market forces, so the entry of Chinese buyers will lead to competition with other buyers from Europe and the Middle East. Ultimately, this helps in improving the prices. We now expect better prices going forward as buyers compete for our produce.
“To take advantage of this opportunity, farmers are encouraged to establish drying facilities, as most buyers prefer dried macadamia nuts. Additionally, farmers should plant more hectares of macadamia nuts and avocadoes to increase production for the vast Chinese market. Chipinge is particularly well-suited for these horticultural products, and those who had abandoned farming of these crops are encouraged to bounce back. New farmers are also invited to join the industry,” Mr Gurai.
Horticulture Development Council of Zimbabwe official, Mr Steyl Willemse said Zimbabwean avocados have been performing well internationally and are expected to excel in China.
He also revealed that they are in discussions with India to explore new market opportunities.
“Despite being landlocked, Zimbabwe’s unique advantage lies in its central global location, providing excellent access to international markets. For instance, ocean-going shipments can reach the European Union within 21 days and the East within two weeks, reducing shipping costs and boosting viability for producers.
“Zimbabwe’s established export markets include the EU, UK and UAE, where its avocados are renowned for their exceptional flavour and quality. We continuously seek new markets, and the recent signing of the Chinese protocol will increase our competitiveness globally.
“India remains a target market and we are engaged in ongoing dialogue with the Indian Ambassador to meet export requirements. The success of our export produce relies on collaboration between Government and private sectors to promote the ease of doing business,” said Mr Willemse.
