The global berry giant AgroBerries seeks to gain access to the Indian market for the blueberries South Africans and strengthen the presence of the blueberries from Zimbabwe to China, as Asia gains greater importance as an export destination amid persistent instability in the Middle East.

Stefan Viljoen, AgroBerries' commercial manager for Southern Africa, noted that since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Southeast Asian markets have generally shown a willingness to receive additional volumes.

He explained that for several months it has been impossible to ship berries by sea from South Africa to the Middle East due to disruptions affecting ports, shipping, and insurance. At the same time, air freight has become considerably more expensive.

The opening of the Chinese and Indian markets to blueberries from southern Africa would represent a significant opportunity for AgroBerries' partner producers in the region. Strong growth in Chinese domestic production, particularly in Yunnan province, is driving increased demand for premium blueberries.

The varieties of Mountain Blue Orchards (MBO) They have proven to be especially popular with Chinese consumers, while Southern Africa is well positioned to help meet this demand during periods when local production is unavailable, after more than ten years of successfully cultivating these premium varieties.

This opportunity is further reinforced by AgroBerries' presence in the region through its division BerryWorld AsiaCreated in 2025, the division has since expanded the brand's commercial presence in key Asian markets.

Earlier this year, the company announced that it had secured the rights to grow and market MBO's blueberry genetics in China starting in 2027, thus extending its long-standing relationship with MBO into one of the world's most important blueberry markets.

Meanwhile, Peruvian producers associated with AgroBerries have reportedly increased their blueberry exports to China significantly over the past year.

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• Zimbabwe accelerates its blueberry growth and marks a new export frontier in Africa