The geography of blueberry production is permanently stretching across the globe as technological solutions make it possible to grow this fruit in virtually every climate and region on the planet. In this framework, the cultivation of blueberries is becoming a great agricultural opportunity for Ethiopia, thanks to the health benefits of the popular fruit and the growing global demand that is observed in all markets.

In the case of Ethiopia, this business opportunity in the export of blueberries is based on two main factors, which translate into its air infrastructure, represented by the cargo division of Ethiopian Airlines, which offers multiple connections with all corners in the world, which makes Ethiopia a good place to export blueberries, and on the other hand adds one of the best advantages of Ethiopia over the region, since it has large areas of relatively open and clean arable land, devoid of forests or wild vegetation, so investors don't have to commit large startup capital to clear land before producing. In Ethiopia, crops can be planted from day one, unlike other countries in the African region.

Irrigation with Israeli technology

In this strategic perspective of the Ethiopian agricultural industry, Water Ways Technologies Inc., a global provider of agricultural technology based in Israel, has been commissioned to provide smart irrigation solutions for the projects of Ethiopian blueberry growers.

The C$200,000 million dollar turnkey smart blueberry irrigation project in Ethiopia is the second phase of a project started in 2020, which was delayed due to internal political turmoil in the country. This large piece of smart irrigation infrastructure is expected to be delivered and implemented for use during the third quarter of 2022.

Ohad Haber, President and CEO of the international company, commented: “Our business in Ethiopia is growing again. Smart blueberry irrigation is becoming a major growth factor for Water Ways around the world.”

The first exports

According to information from the Ethiopian Horticultural Producers Association (EHPEA), in April 2022, Bahir Dar Fresh Plc, a private company engaged in the production and export of fruits, began exporting blueberries from Ethiopia to international markets, becoming the first of its kind in Ethiopia.

With this project, the company will create 800 jobs and generate $2,5 million annually when it fully develops its 45-acre farm over the next two years. According to information from Italian Berry, the manager of Bahir Dar Fresh Plc commented that the company is achieving the best results in the production of high-quality blueberries for the export market.

The fruits contribute significantly to Ethiopia's annual horticultural exports, which generated USD 531 million in revenue in the fiscal year 2020/2021 season.

With the integration of Ethiopia to the professional production of blueberries and to the international export industry of this crop, the African region becomes one of the fastest growing on the global blueberry map and one of the most attractive poles for investors. international, due to its qualities of proximity to European and Asian markets, the adoption of new management systems and the use of new technologies applied to cultivation, in addition to the investment facilities offered by its different countries.