THE harvesting of avocados has started, with the country expected to double exports from last year’s 3 000 tonnes to over 6 000 tonnes in 2026.
This comes as the sub-sector recovers from the biannual bearing effect.
Avocado trees often exhibit a biennial (alternate) bearing phenomenon of producing a massive crop of smaller fruit one year (the “on year”), followed by a light crop of larger fruit the next (“off year” – 2025).
The pattern is driven by heavy fruit loads depleting energy reserves and altering hormonal balance in the trees (high auxin/gibberellin), which suppresses flowering in the following season.
One of the country’s largest avocado producers and exporters, Cicada Agriculture, announced that harvest had officially begun on a trial plot of Pinkerton avocados.
“The early signs are very encouraging and the fruit quality is looking strong and we are pleased to see the first container already on its way to European markets.
“Trial blocks like this play an important role in helping us assess varietal performance and strengthen our export offering,” said Cicada.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) said the year 2025 was an “off year,” a natural dip in the production cycle.
The HDC September 2025 horticulture update disclosed that although avocado growers had a tough year in 2025, they expected a strong comeback this season.
“The 2025 avocado export season experienced low volumes, with Zimbabwe shipping 2 500 tonnes, about 50 percent less than 2024.
“This drop mirrors a regional trend, as South Africa also recorded low volumes. Key drivers of the decline was the biannual bearing effect wherein 2025 was an “off year,” characterised by a natural dip in the production cycle,” said HDC.
The update also states that as a result of climate change, higher-than-average temperatures during flowering stressed trees, reducing fruit set.
“Unlike South Africa, where new plantings offset lower yields, Zimbabwe’s sector expansion has been limited.
“On the positive power supply, reliability has improved in most production areas, supporting irrigation scheduling and overall farm operations,” continued HDC.
HDC said the outlook for 2026 was more positive with exceptional flowering this season and growers expect a strong rebound to at least 6 000 tonnes.
Industry focus will be on maintaining high quality as volumes rise.
HDC’s 2025 investment forum, held late last year, which targets a US$2,5 billion industry by 2030, revealed that avocado was the horticultural sector’s ‘Green Gold’.
“Avocado is a premium export crop with massive global market expansion and year-round production capability.
“Our Green Gold varietals of Hass, Esther, Fortuna and Gwen are grown in Eastern Highlands. Production has gone up by over 50 percent over the five years,” said HDC.
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In 2023, Zimbabwe and China signed an avocado trade protocol.
There is need for processors to invest in value-addition infrastructure (orchard development, packhouse and processing facilities) to prepare their premium export varieties for export to China.
ZimTrade has also been encouraging producers and exporters to grow organic avocados that can fetch prices between 20 and 50 percent higher in international retail markets compared to conventionally grown fruit.
ZimTrade recently concluded an intensive organic principles training and assessment for avocado farmers in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts.
“This initiative is a critical step in our export development strategy, ensuring our “Green Gold” meets the rigorous international standards required for premium global markets,” said ZimTrade.
Meanwhile, statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) show that the volume of avocado exports declined 59 percent to 2 573 152 kilogrammes last year from 6 255 078 kg in 2024.
In value terms it dropped 49 percent to US$1 061 576 in 2025 from US$2 097 669 in 2024.-herald
