ZIMBABWE’S citrus export volumes rose by 9 percent to 69 million kilogrammes in 2025 from 63 million kg in 2024 as the country continues to witness an increase in new investments in the sector.
Annual statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) show that citrus product exports rose from 63,465 million to 69,134 million kg.
In value terms, exports remained flat at the same 2024 value of US$15 million as a result of the slight drop in average price from US$0,24 per kg in 2024 to US$0,22.
Citrus product grouping comprises fresh or dried oranges, mandarins, clementines, grapefruit, including pomelos, lemons and limes, frozen and unfrozen orange juice, unfermented grapefruit juices and other single fruit juices.
The country’s citrus exports have grown 93 percent from US$7,82 million in 2017 to US$15,12 million last year.
The citrus industry is growing across the country, with Makata Citrus Estate in Mwenezi having planted 250 hectares with an additional 200ha by the end of 2025.
Schweppes Zimbabwe is finalising engagements with the Government with a view to setting up a 2 700ha citrus plantation project in the Zhovhe area of Beitbridge District.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) said they were aiming to double the citrus area from the current 4 000ha to 8 000ha by 2030, subject to an investment of US$48 million to create 24 000 new jobs.
The Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (Heep) is targeting to increase citrus production to 195 000 tonnes.
According to the country’s new agriculture roadmap, the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2) covering the period 2026-2030, Zimbabwe’s citrus industry was previously a critical agricultural sub-sector, serving as a significant source of foreign exchange, employment and rural development.
“Primarily focused on exports, the industry is renowned for its high-quality oranges (Navel and Valencia), soft citrus (mandarins, clementines), lemons and grapefruit.
“The citrus value chain is projected to increase from 347 000 tonnes in the 2025/2026 season to 482 000 tonnes by 2030/2031, with its gross value increasing from US$576 million to US$925 million by 2030,” AFSRTS 2 says.
Meanwhile, the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) of Southern Africa’s week three report dated January 16, said the Valencia crop formed the backbone of the Southern African orange season, representing most of the total citrus production.
CGA chief executive, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, said “Its performance has a decisive influence on the industry’s annual results.
“The initial estimate was 52 million cartons. As the season progressed, regional reports highlighted favourable agronomic conditions and strategic packing decisions that pointed toward a larger-than-expected crop,” Dr Ntshabelesaid.
Dr Ntshabele said following the trend set by the navel season, the Valencia estimate increased steadily throughout the harvest, confirming that the industry was handling a much larger crop than initially anticipated.
“In terms of markets, Europe remained the leading destination, receiving 20 million cartons. Exports to the Middle East rose sharply — from 6,9 million to 10,4 million cartons — while shipments to Russia increased to 5,7 million cartons. Exports to Asia also grew significantly, reaching 6,1 million cartons, up from 3,8 million the previous season.
‘‘The 2025 season ultimately confirmed a substantial increase in the Valencia crop, driven by excellent growing conditions and strong packouts.
‘‘This surge in volume, however, placed considerable pressure on both the market and logistical infrastructure throughout the export period,” said Dr Ntshabele.-herald
