New Zealand's fruit and vegetable exports have rebounded after a decline over the previous two years. In early 2023, a cyclone caused significant damage across the country. As a result, exports dropped sharply in 2024. However, last year's exports fell only slightly behind the record levels of 2021.
A total of 1.46 million tons of fruit and vegetables were exported last year—an increase of 30% compared to 2023. In 2021, exports totaled just over 1.5 million tons. In terms of value, 2024 was a record-breaking year, with exports totaling just over $3 billion.
Two-thirds kiwis
New Zealand's fruit and vegetable exports are primarily driven by kiwis, which account for two-thirds of all fruit sold abroad. Apples follow, making up just over 30% of exports. Other fruit exports are relatively modest in comparison.
Fresh vegetable exports also recovered last year, with 380,000 tons exported, up from only 190,000 tons in 2023. In 2021, fresh vegetable exports reached 730,000 tons. Onions are the main vegetable export, followed at a distance by pumpkins and carrots.
Most exports to Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is the primary market for New Zealand's fruit and vegetable exports, receiving around 60% of the total in recent years. Until 2022, this region grew increasingly significant, while sales to the EU declined. Recently, about a quarter of exports have gone to the EU, down from previous years. Last year, 867,000 tons were exported to Southeast Asia and 338,000 tons to EU countries. North America trails behind, with exports totaling 100,000 tons.
New Zealand's export data does not specify individual EU countries for nearly 80% of shipments to the region. The "EU nes" (not elsewhere specified) category likely refers mainly to Belgium, which is considered the main destination for New Zealand products. China is another major market, followed by Japan, Taiwan, the United States, Vietnam, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India.
Record kiwi exports
Following a sharp decline in kiwi exports in 2022 and particularly in 2023, New Zealand's kiwi exports fully recovered last year, setting a new record of 790,000 tons—an increase of over 40% compared to 2023. The previous record was set in 2021 when more than 740,000 tons were exported.
Most kiwis are exported to the EU (primarily Belgium), followed by China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Taiwan, and Australia.
Currently, two-thirds of kiwi exports consist of the Gold variety. Yellow kiwis are particularly popular in China (91% of total exports to the country) and South Korea (81%). In exports to the EU, the split between yellow and green kiwis is nearly even.
Many apples to China
New Zealand's apple acreage is expected to expand to over 11,000 hectares in the 2024/2025 season. In 2023, a cyclone caused extensive damage to apple orchards in major growing regions such as Hawke's Bay and Gisborne. While much of the damage has been repaired, the sector is still burdened by debt repayment. The apple harvest for 2024/2025 is estimated at 560,000 tons.
Last year, apple exports returned to 2022 levels, totaling just under 380,000 tons—10% more than in 2023. Exports to China, in particular, surged, rising to over 70,000 tons compared to 47,000 tons in 2023 and 60,000 tons in 2022. Vietnam and Taiwan followed, with the UK receiving 32,000 tons last year. India also saw significant growth, with exports exceeding 30,000 tons. Thailand, the United States, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Germany followed. New Zealand exported 14,000 tons of apples to the Netherlands last year—less than in 2023 but more than the previous year.
Spread exports of apple varieties
Gala remains the main apple variety exported, though its recovery from the 2023 dip was limited compared to previous years. Envy ranks second, with exports continuing to grow. The Fuji variety also rebounded but remained below earlier levels. Pink Lady exports remained relatively stable. New Zealand Queen follows, with Dazzle exports increasing, while Jazz exports continue to decline. Rockit, on the other hand, showed growth.
Variety preferences vary by country. China and Vietnam import all major varieties, while Taiwan imports a high volume of Fuji apples. The UK imports a significant share of Breaburn and Pink Lady apples. Envy apples are in high demand in the United States. Alongside Gala, the Netherlands imports considerable quantities of Pink Lady, Breaburn, and Jazz apples.
Onions also go to Europe
Other exported fruit products include avocados (20,000 tons), cherries (4,500 tons), pears (2,100 tons), and blueberries (2,000 tons).
Among vegetables, onions account for significant exports, totaling 170,000 tons in 2024. This was higher than in previous years but still lower than in 2020 when 210,000 tons were exported. The peak period for onion exports is March and April. Indonesia and Malaysia are the main buyers, followed by Germany, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. Last year, 14,000 tons of New Zealand onions were exported to the Netherlands.
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For more information:
Jan Kees Boon
Fruit and Vegetable Facts
fruitvegfacts@gmail.com
www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com