Chinese Avocado Importers Visit Zimbabwe for Potential Cooperation

ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion agency, hosted the Zimbabwe–China Avocado and Macadamia Inward Buyers Mission in Chipinge from April 8 to 10.

Reports on the organization’s social media page indicate that the event featured a seminar and an exchange session between Chinese importers and Zimbabwean producers. During the discussions, Chinese importers provided insights into market demand and outlined plans to establish Zimbabwe as Africa’s hub for avocado and macadamia production. The delegation also toured local farms and companies to gain a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe’s cultivation practices and production capabilities.

On Sept. 18 of last year, China’s General Administration of Customs issued an announcement outlining the phytosanitary requirements for Zimbabwean avocados exported to China. The directive mandates that avocados bound for the Chinese market must undergo methyl bromide fumigation under the supervision of authorized personnel from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to prevent pests of concern.

Major avocado-producing countries in Africa include Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Kenya and Tanzania gained access to the Chinese market for fresh avocados in June and November 2022, respectively, followed by South Africa in August 2023. Avocados were the second fruit category from Zimbabwe to gain access to the Chinese market, following citrus fruits (oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, lemons, limes and sour oranges).

Image: Pixabay

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article.