DEMAND for Zimbabwean agricultural produce continues to grow in China with flowers becoming the latest addition to the growing list of most sought-after products in the Asian country.
The Horticultural Development Authority (HDC) broke this news saying Plus0 (Pty) Ltd had brokered this export.
“For years, the global flower industry has celebrated the beauty, strength and unique character of Zimbabwean blooms. Yet despite their exceptional quality, these flowers had never before reached the Chinese market,” said Plus0.
Plus0 said the barrier had now been removed in a landmark achievement for African agriculture and international logistics with the first-ever flower exports from Zimbabwe to China.
“This breakthrough was made possible through collaboration, planning and a shared commitment to reaching new markets.
“What was once regarded as a complex logistical challenge has become a proven and repeatable pathway, opening new opportunities for growers, buyers and exporters worldwide,” continued Plus0.
Zimbabwe’s leading flower producers, including Tsanga, Claremont and Sunshine, provided the exceptional blooms that made the milestone feat possible while Hortico (the aggregator), renowned for its advanced cooling and handling capabilities, prepared the flowers at the correct temperatures prior to dispatch.
Plus0 managed the full logistics chain, ensuring that every stem was handled professionally and protected throughout its journey to retain their freshness, colour and structural integrity throughout the journey.
“To reduce export costs for our clients, we work with a certified canine screening unit that inspects and clears the flowers for export.
“This method is compliant, efficient and cost effective, and it eliminates the need for more expensive mechanical screening procedures,” disclosed Plus0.
The Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2) 2026-2030, projects the value of gross production of floriculture to reach US$16 million by 2030 from the current US$10 million.
“The floriculture sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, being a growing industry that requires niche marketing, modern infrastructure, climate-resilient practices and strong regulatory frameworks.
“The country expects to reach 334 million cuttings of flowers on 800 hectares by 2030 from 193 million cuttings generating US$16 million by 2030,” read AFSRTS 2.
The HDC is optimistic strategic policies would expand flower production from the current 2 300 to 40 000 tonnes by 2030.
HDC board member, Mr Willard Zireva revealed this during the 13th edition of the Annual National Agribusiness Conference (ANAC) 2025 at the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show (ZAS) in Harare.
“Zimbabwe’s floriculture sector output is projected to rise from the current 2 300 to 40 000 tonnes by 2030 as a result of 615 percent area expansion from 130 to 930 hectares.
“The earnings are also expected to rise to US$276 979 200,” he said.
The HDC said current summer flowers on 100 hectares were set to rise to 600, while roses currently on 30 hectares will shoot to 330.
An investment of US$45 600 000 is required for this expansion.
“Such a growth in production will create 4 650 new jobs and transform rural livelihoods across the nation,” he said.
An analysis of the floriculture sector in the past gives credence that this is not a pipe dream as in the year ending June 2000, the country exported 19 488 tonnes of flowers worth US$89,65 million.
Meanwhile, statistics from Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) indicate that Zimbabwe earned US$2,5 million from flower exports in the first nine months of this year, a four percent increase from last year’s US$2,4 million as Government targets to grow the floriculture sector by 2030.
Over the past five years flower export receipts have risen 48 percent from US$2,8 million in 2020 to US$4,2 million last year.-herald
