Zimbabwe's horticulture sector continues to expand its footprint in international markets, with locally produced mange tout peas now reaching supermarket shelves and fresh produce markets in Denmark as export volumes from the crop are projected to reach 10,000 tonnes this season.
According to the Horticulture Development Council, Zimbabwe's pea industry has become an increasingly important contributor to the country's horticultural export basket, while creating opportunities for thousands of smallholder farmers.
“Mange Tout Peas from Zimbabwe in Århus, Denmark. This season, our pea industry will export around 10,000 tonnes,” the council said.
The industry body noted that small-scale producers are playing a significant role in the sector's growth and export performance.
“Up to 40% of this is from our small scale farmers.”
The figures highlight the growing integration of smallholder farmers into high-value export supply chains, a development that industry stakeholders say is helping improve rural incomes and broaden participation in Zimbabwe's horticultural recovery.
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Mange tout peas, also known as snow peas, are among Zimbabwe's key horticultural export products alongside blueberries, citrus, flowers, avocados and sugar snap peas. The crop is primarily destined for premium European markets where demand for fresh vegetables remains strong.
The emergence of Denmark as a destination for Zimbabwean peas underscores the sector's expanding market reach at a time when horticulture has become one of the country's fastest-growing export industries.
Recent industry data shows Zimbabwe's horticultural exports have recorded strong growth over the past two years, supported by increasing production, improved compliance with international standards and growing demand from European, Middle Eastern and regional markets.
The participation of smallholder farmers is particularly significant because export horticulture has traditionally been dominated by large-scale commercial producers. Increased inclusion of small-scale growers reflects efforts by industry players, exporters and development partners to integrate rural communities into global value chains through contract farming, technical support and market linkages.
High-value horticultural exports offer greater income potential than many traditional crops due to their strong export demand and higher returns per hectare. As a result, the sector is increasingly being viewed as a key driver of rural industrialisation, employment creation and foreign currency generation.
The latest export figures come as Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its export base beyond minerals and traditional agricultural commodities. Government and industry have identified horticulture as one of the sectors with the greatest potential to contribute to economic transformation through value addition, export growth and inclusive agricultural development.
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