Fruit and vegetable production is one of the most active agricultural niches in Zimbabwe. There are varying scales of production with the most basic being home gardening. The operational models vary as well with some solely focusing on the production side. Then others go all way to value addition. Others choose to just source and sell the raw produce. The opportunities in this space are inexhaustible. Sometimes I see some producers struggling to find a market for their fruits or vegetables. I figured it would be beneficial to discuss places where you can sell your fruits and vegetables in Zimbabwe.

Online Options

Fresh In A Box

Fresh In A Box is one of the first Zimbabwean startups to make a breakthrough in Zimbabwean eCommerce. The reason why I am including them here is that they now have an option for other Zimbabwean businesses or startups. They can now sign up with Fresh In A Box and get their online store for as little as US$99 per month. The online store is uniquely fashioned to address Zimbabwean eCommerce challenges such as Multiple Currencies, Delivery SMS or WhatsApp Notifications, ZIPIT Payments, Instant EcoCash, Cash On Delivery, Credit Or Debit Card Payments, PayPal, VISA/MasterCard/American Express, and more. To get your online store kindly engage with them via their social media platforms. You can also WhatsApp on +263 774 162 442.

Online Musika

Online Musika is one of Zimbabwe’s biggest online marketplaces which allows both businesses and entrepreneurs to open their very own online shops and sell nationwide ensuring quality delivery through the Online Musika Delivery Team. Online Musika facilitates consumer-to-consumer (C2C) retail by providing a platform for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs to open online stores that mainly cater to consumers in Zimbabwe and abroad.  They are available on WhatsApp, their contact is +263 714 175 055. They are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also contact them via email at hello@onlinemusika.co.zw.

Vegetable Basket

Vegetable Basket is an online store for premium quality, fresh vegetables and fruits, amongst other delicacies. They are a Zimbabwean, Harare-based, eCommerce enterprise that sells fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and poultry produce, plus much more online. Orders are essentially placed online and deliveries are done to the customers. Produce is sourced from farmers or producers in and around Harare. That is where you come as a fruit and vegetable producer. Get in touch with them to hear more. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter. You can contact them using this mobile number: +263 716 083 671.

Online Classifieds

Online Classifieds is part of several services offered by Webdev. They offer free or paid advertising space on 3 diversified platforms namely Classifieds (visited by over 20 000 people daily) and Yellow Pages (with comprehensive lists made available in print also). The third space is Property (more than 3 000 daily visitors) just to let you know.

Zvose Online

Zvose Online is a Zimbabwean-based online retailer offering a broad range of products and services. They have a service called Zvose Online Marketplace which provides businesses with an opportunity to grow online. Essentially they promote local businesses in Zimbabwe by providing them with access to online shoppers. To know more about Zvose Online visit their website or info@zvose.com. You can voice call and WhatsApp on +2773 070 6121 and +26377 152 9138. You can also visit their Facebook page, Twitter here or Instagram page.

Offline Options

The other broad option is via offline places or means. The basic idea is to identify any place or activity that you can capitalize on. Here are some offline places or means to sell your fruits and vegetables:

Physical Outlets

You can use the physical outlet option where applicable. This will depend on your capacity and volumes of production. That is why you will have to choose from 3 options. One is setting up somewhere outdoors. Two involves entering working agreements with other outlets for your items to be sold there (or you can simply supply them). Three will of course entail you setting up your outlet – it can be a space, room(s), or building.

Strategic Events

There are countless strategic events you can capitalize on. I once did an article where I highlighted some of the top markets or events to get your businesses noticed in Zimbabwe. In it, I mentioned farmers’ markets – a key place to sell your fruits and vegetables. Kindly go through that article to get an idea of the kind of strategic events you should eye. You must also check out another piece I did 7 business growth benefits of fairs, shows, and expos.

Supplier Arrangements

If your capacity is significant you can approach clients that need regular supplies. It can be FMCG outlets, learning institutions (e.g. schools and universities), plus food processing and manufacturing companies, just to mention a few.

If fruits and vegetables are your forte then these are the kind of places to keep an eye on. These are basic examples and nowhere exhaustive but highly useful. Always be on the lookout for avenues you can use to sell your fruits and vegetables.