Export prices remain robust, supported by global demand for New Zealand products and stable domestic supply. The horticulture sector, particularly kiwifruit and apple exports, shows resilience following earlier challenges. Among high-value crops, cherries, though constituting only 0.5% of total fruit and nut export volume, represent 2.6% of export values for the year ending February 2025.
Cherry exports reached a record 5.07 million kg in the 2024/25 season, marking a 33% increase from the previous season. This volume surpasses the 2017/18 record of 4.2 million kg, generating $124 million in export value, the highest on record and the first to exceed $100 million.
Over two decades, New Zealand's cherry export volumes have increased nearly sixfold, with export values rising twelvefold. Despite the volume surge, cherry prices remain high, with annual average implied export prices slightly increasing to $24.44/kg. This price stability amidst rising volumes reflects strong demand in key markets. Short-term export volumes are primarily supply-driven, with planting expansions taking time to yield returns. However, the current demand has absorbed the increased supply, indicating a positive outlook for the cherry industry and broader horticulture sector.
Asia dominates as the primary market for New Zealand cherries, with Taiwan accounting for 46% of exports in the 2025 year. China follows as the second-largest market, despite a decrease in share from 19% to nearly 15%, maintaining a similar volume to the previous season. Vietnam ranks third, importing just under 11%.
The United States emerges as the seventh-largest destination, receiving 144,000 kg, or 2.8% of total exports, up from 1.7% last season. Despite prior fluctuations, the US remains a challenging market. The Middle East shows growth, with the United Arab Emirates importing 60,000 kg, more than triple the previous season, and Saudi Arabia receiving 25,000 kg, a notable increase from previous years.
Source: Interest