OZblu expands Chinese supply window with first Zimbabwean shipment

Zimbabwean-grown OZblu blueberries have arrived in China for the first time, marking an important milestone in the continued expansion of the firm's global supply network. 

The milestone reflects the long-term strategy of United Exports, the exclusive distributor of the company's blueberries, of building sustainable global demand for premium blueberries through  its international production network.  

Ozblu marks a milestone in the Asian market

Through its vertically integrated model, the company combines proprietary genetics,  production expertise, quality management, logistics, and global sales and marketing capabilities to deliver its premium OZblu blueberries to retail and wholesale customers around the world, for 52 weeks of the year. 

For Zimbabwean contract grower partners, participation in the firm's program provides access to leading genetics, production support, leading R&D, and established international markets.  

In turn, Zimbabwe's production window is strategically important within the OZblu supply network, helping to extend the availability of premium fruit into China when Peruvian fruit is less available, and local supply in China may not consistently meet premium quality expectations. This new supply window is also an exciting opportunity for the UK and Europe. 

The shipment also builds on the firm's established success in China. Varieties such as Magica have consistently achieved price premiums in the market, demonstrating Chinese consumers' willingness to pay more for a superior and, importantly, consistent eating experience, a hallmark of the OZblu brand. This performance has helped establish the company as a recognized benchmark for premium blueberry quality in one of the world's most discerning blueberry markets.

Through ongoing investment across the value chain, United Exports has developed a global network capable of supplying high-quality blueberries across multiple origins and seasons,  ensuring customers can access premium fruit throughout more of the year. 

"China is one of the world's most sophisticated blueberry markets, and consumers there have consistently shown that they recognize and reward quality," said Roger Horak, Executive Chairman and Founder of United Exports. "The success of varieties  such as OZblu Magica demonstrates the value of delivering a superior and consistent  eating experience." 

The addition of Zimbabwe to the company's supply network allows the firm to extend that promise even further, said Horak, delivering premium blueberries when availability from other origins is limited.

"This milestone is another step forward in our strategy of supplying exceptional blueberries to our customers  52 weeks of the year," he concluded. 

*All images courtesy of Ozblu.

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