New Zealand: Less export fruit and vegetables to EU, more to Asia

New Zealand is headed for a new export record for fruit and vegetables. In the first half of this year, 8% more was exported than in the same period in 2015, with regard to total value the growth was even more. In New Zealand dollars, the export grew more than 30% in the first half of this year; in US dollars, it grew 15%. New Zealand has been looking for new markets outside the EU, following the trend of the past few years. The export to EU countries decreased with 3%, while the export to other destinations grew 15%. 

The export of kiwi fruits caused the most growth (+14%). The export of apples grew as well, but not as severely (+3%). Two thirds of the total New Zealand export of fresh fruit and vegetables consisted of these two fruits. 

Japan and China were responsible for the growth of the export of kiwi fruits, with respectively +41% and +51%. Apples were mostly exported to the US (+50%) and Taiwan (+35%). 

The export of kiwi fruits increased to a record of 321,000 tons in the first half of this year, while the export was 270,000 tons in the first half of 2015. The advance of the golden kiwi fruit has persevered. The export of this variant has increased by 42% to 141,000 tons in the first half of this year. The export of green kiwi fruits decreased with 2% to 160,000 tons. The golden fruits are exported mainly the Asian markets of which the Japanese and the Chinese are the most important. The green kiwi fruits are predominantly exported to EU countries. 

The export of apples has increased with 3% relative to last year in the same period, but a few years ago, New Zealand marketed more apples in foreign countries. The sale of New Zealand’s apples is gradually decreasing in EU countries. In the first half of 2013, 146,000 tons were marketed in the EU. In the first half of this year, the marketing decreased to 115,000 tons. 

The Royal Gala is the most important export variety. In the first half of this year, 116,000 tons were exported. This is more than last year, but the same as the first half year a few years ago. The second export variety, Braeburn, is exported gradually less. Jazz apples were exported more this year than last year, but not more than a few years ago. The export of Pink Lady is a little tough. Two new varieties, Envy and Pacific Queen, are emerging; these are barely marketed in the EU. Envy is exported mostly to the US and the Pacific Queen mostly to China. The Royal Gala is exported to the US as well as in the Gulf States and the United Kingdom. Braeburns are mostly marketed in EU countries. 

For more information:

Jan Kees Boon
Fruit & Vegetable Facts
T: +31 (0)6 54687684
E: fruitvegfacts@gmail.com
W: www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com