ZimTrade hosts Zim-China Avocado and Macadamia Inward Buyers Mission

ZIMTRADE, Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion organisation, is set to host the Zimbabwe-China Avocado and Macadamia Inward Buyers Mission from April 8 to 10, 2025, in Chipinge.

This event aims to strengthen Zimbabwe’s trade relations with China, one of the world’s largest and most lucrative markets, according to a statement released on Monday.

The mission will bring together Zimbabwean avocado and macadamia producers with Chinese buyers, providing an opportunity to expand Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports to China.

This event follows the signing of the “Protocol for Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China” at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing in September 2024.

The protocol allows for the seamless export of fresh avocados from Zimbabwe to China, expected to significantly increase Zimbabwe’s agricultural trade with the Asian giant.

ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru said China represents a “massive opportunity for Zimbabwean agriculture and this mission will not only deepen our trade relations with China but will also open doors for Zimbabwean producers to tap into a market that is rapidly growing in demand for high-quality agricultural products like avocados and macadamias.”

He added: “We are confident that the business connections forged during this mission will result in significant trade deals that benefit both Zimbabwean producers and the broader economy.”

China has become Zimbabwe’s third-largest trading partner, a remarkable jump from its position as the 13th-largest trading partner in 2019.

In 2023, China imported US$151,2 million worth of avocados and US$22,7 million worth of macadamia nuts, with Zimbabwe contributing US$8,5 million to these figures.

This substantial demand presents an exciting opportunity for Zimbabwe’s avocado and macadamia industries to expand and diversify their export markets.

“China’s growing appetite for avocados and macadamias is not just a passing trend; it is a reflection of changing dietary habits and an increasing focus on healthy eating,” explained Similo Nkala, director of operations at ZimTrade.

“This mission will allow us to directly engage with Chinese buyers who are looking for fresh, high-quality produce, and that’s exactly what Zimbabwe can offer.”

The event will begin on Tuesday, with a seminar and business-to-business (B2B) networking session that will provide an opportunity for Zimbabwean avocado and macadamia producers to engage with a delegation of Chinese buyers.

Participants will also showcase their products and establish meaningful trade relationships.

Over the next two days, the mission will continue with farm and company visits, providing Chinese buyers with a first-hand look at Zimbabwe’s farming practices and production capacity in the avocado and macadamia industries.

In addition to formal business activities, the mission will also focus on enhancing knowledge exchange. Zimbabwean producers will gain valuable insights into Chinese market trends, logistics requirements, and quality standards.

“This will help them better understand the nuances of the Chinese market and how to effectively navigate the complexities of exporting agricultural products to such a large and diverse economy,” the statement reads in part.

ZimTrade is mobilising avocado and macadamia exporters from Manicaland Province, where most of Zimbabwe’s production is based.

The mission is expected to attract 70 companies from the region, along with a delegation of four Chinese buyers.

Key stakeholders, including government officials, logistics companies, and agricultural associations, will also play an integral role in ensuring the success of the mission.

“We are proud to bring together such a diverse group of participants for this mission,” Admire Jongwe, ZimTrade’s eastern region manager, said.

“This is a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, and we believe this event will help open the door to new business opportunities that will benefit the entire industry.”

With China’s demand for avocado and macadamia continuing to rise, the mission presents a chance to build meaningful and lasting business relationships that will strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and promote sustainable economic growth. -newsda