Zimbabwe coffee exports hit US$1m as EU deforestation rules tighten

Zimbabwe coffee exports hit US$1m as EU deforestation rules tighten

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Zimbabwe’s coffee exports increased by 59 percent to US$1 million last year, up from US$600 000 in 2022, with growth being driven largely by smallholder farmers, according to figures cited from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).

The rebound comes as horticulture exporters targeting the European Union market face tighter compliance requirements under the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR), which prohibits the export of products linked to deforestation and forest degradation. Coffee is among the commodities covered, alongside tea, soyabean, palm oil and beef.

ZimStat statistics show the volume of coffee exports rose by 33 percent to 158 483 kilogrammes, from 119 452 kilogrammes over the same period. However, the average export price declined by 13 percent to US$4,61 per kilogramme, from US$5,33.

Zimbabwe exports coffee in several forms, including not roasted or decaffeinated coffee, roasted coffee (not decaffeinated), coffee husks and skins, and coffee substitutes containing coffee.

The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) said it began week three of EUDR mapping on April 28, a process aimed at ensuring each coffee shipment can be traced back to the producing farm, a key requirement for market access under the EU rules.

“Our teams are braving fog and rough terrain to get every Zimbabwean coffee grower on the map. Traceability is key to supporting better incomes and stronger exports,” the HDC said.

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The EUDR due diligence process requires companies to obtain precise geolocation coordinates of where commodities are produced. The HDC also warned that producers could face compliance difficulties if they rely on inputs linked to deforestation, such as packaging made from unsustainable sources or certain fibres, including printed packaging, and fertilisers produced from palm oil.

The HDC said the sector, now driven by smallholder farmers, is being supported through mapping, tracking and compliance work intended to keep Zimbabwe competitive while boosting rural incomes.

Looking ahead, the HDC said it expects the hectarage under coffee to expand significantly in the long term, projecting growth to 5 000 hectares by 2050 from the current 700 hectares, citing rising enthusiasm among smallholders establishing new plantations.

It estimated around 2 000 farmers are engaged in or planning coffee production, but said long-term financing, inputs and equipment—particularly irrigation—remain critical for sustaining recovery.

According to the HDC, in 2024 smallholder farmers contributed roughly 50 tonnes, while large-scale estates supplied 250 tonnes. It said it is incorporating smallholder farmers through the “Hub and Spoke” model to help aggregate production and meet market requirements.

The council previously reported that the number of active smallholder farmers was gradually increasing, reaching about 1 300 growers with at least 50 trees each, cultivating roughly 470 hectares. It added that about half of that area is still young and not yet bearing fruit.

The HDC forecast production could rise to around 400 tonnes by 2026 as total planted area expands to about 700 hectares, but said growth will depend on the timely and efficient availability of inputs such as seedlings and fertilisers.

The sector is banking on Zimbabwe’s “unique selling proposition” of high-quality coffee described as balanced, with rich flavour, moderate acidity and a good aftertaste, as it seeks to strengthen export performance.

Coffee Growers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Michael Jenrich said coffee is a long-term crop that requires significant investment during the first four years before harvesting begins.

“Coffee is a complex and labour-intensive high-value and high-margin crop, which is mostly produced by smallholder farmers. It suits well with the HDC’s ‘Hub and Spoke’ model where smallholder farmers can be aggregated and/or paired with larger producers (hub or nucleus farms) for tradeable quantities and quality,” he said.

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