ZIMBABWE’S horticulture sector is targeting new lucrative markets in the Middle East to drive a rebound of the industry this year.
Between May 2020 and June this year the sector saw exports fall to US$121 million from US$130 million recorded between May 2019 and June 2020 due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Former Horticulture Development Council of Zimbabwe chairman, Gorden Makoni, is however optimistic of growth this year as Covid-19 vaccination programmes in major buying countries intensify and new lucrative markets are sought.
According to Makoni, the upcoming Dubai Expo to be held from October 2021 to March 2022 will be a good platform for the industry to showcase its products and make inroads into the Middle East.
“The industry is expected to bounce back and it would be critical for the country to take part in the Dubai Expo, especially the IPM Dubai, as Dubai was one of the world’s first cities to obtain the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council, which endorses the emirate’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety,” Makoni told The Financial Gazette.
IPM Dubai is a Middle East flowers, plants and technology festival.
“Flowers will recover because of the ongoing vaccinations and relaxation of lockdowns. The Middle East is where the money is, the guys are good at spending and their combined economies are huge and attractive.”
The global flower industry is estimated to have lost in excess of US$10 billion due to lockdowns imposed during the first wave of the pandemic.
Zimbabwean flower exports, however, decreased marginally from US$7,1 million to US$6,7 million.
The industry was hit by the scrapping of functions under Covid-19 containment measures and also came under pressure from freight limitations, which resulted in subsequent increases in charges to over US$2,20 per kg.
Tea and coffee exports between June 2020 and May 2021 fell to US$21 million from US$26 million recorded during the previous period.
Citrus exports bucked the trend and rose US$39 million from US$34 million driven by an increase in value linked to increased demand.
Avocados went down from US$14 million to US$11 million while blueberries rose from US$6 million to US$11 million, also because of increased value.
“There was a serious shortage of vitamin C (products) as well as superfoods. This is the reason why we saw a surge in demand for citrus and blueberries,” Makoni said.
Macadamia nuts were affected by the closure of the Chinese market, one of the crop’s biggest destinations. Sales declined from US$21 million to US$14 million.
“Within the next three to four years, we are likely to see an increase in value and volumes as players move from tea to high value crops like macadamia and avocados,” Makoni said.
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