Story by Bruce Chahwanda in Germany
OVER a thousand buyers visited Zimbabwe’s pavilion at the Berlin Fruit Logistica this Thursday, exploring ways of forging joint ventures with local firms.
The popularity of Zimbabwe’s pavilion at the fair is anticipated to translate into millions of dollars through strategic partnerships.
ZimTrade market analyst, Mrs Lorraine Muzadzi gave an insight into the second day of Fruit Logistica and products that are attracting visitors at the pavilion.
“It has been a busy day as we recorded over a thousand visitors with inquiries on Zimbabwe’s avocado, blueberries, chillies, horned melon.
“There is so much interest from the European market in relation to products on exhibition which are the positives for local farmers,” she said.
Exhibitors are excited about the interest being generated by their products to a cross-section of participants at the event.
“We are happy with the interest being exhibited on the chillies as we try to expand our market share into various regions and this platform is what the doctor ordered,” Kacholo chief executive officer Mr Matthew Taberer said.
“We are doing avocado oil and its very popular this side of the world. This calls for a concerted effort towards the promotion of value addition of most of our fruits,” Navaco Global Services head, Mr Jack Knowlton said.
Zimbabwe’s local horticultural sector recorded exports worth US$142 million from the 2022 figure of US$131 million.
Of the US$142 million, citrus raked in US$49 million, while berries had US$33 million with the big chunk going to the United Kingdom and European Union markets.
Last years’ figures are being finalised and sentiments within the sectors show a positive jump and participation at Fruit Logistica is expected to push numbers upwards.
