According to the new issue of industry publication Fresh Facts, New Zealand exported $5.1 billion of horticultural produce in the year to June 2016, around 10% of the nation’s merchandise export income and a 19% increase on the previous year. Key exports included included $1.7 billion of kiwifruit, $1.6 billion of wine, primarily Marlborough Sauvignon blanc, and $690 million of apples.
Added to this, it is estimated that New Zealanders spent $1 billion on fresh and processed fruit, $1.3 billion on vegetables and $0.8 billion on wine.
“Since 2010, the value of exports from horticulture has increased by more than 50%,” says Peter Landon-Lane, CEO of Plant & Food Research, the publisher of Fresh Facts. “The horticulture industry’s success is based on efficient production and supply systems, cultivars that meet global consumer requirements for novelty and taste, and the strong branding of New Zealand products. This focus on capturing value across the supply chain means we can continue to produce more and better food for ourselves and consumers around the world.”
“It’s exciting to see the horticulture industry is on track to meet its goal of $10 billion by 2020,” says Mike Chapman, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand. “Our keen understanding of the global consumer and the commitment to quality at every stage of the value chain means our produce commands a premium in the marketplace, and this is reflected in the outstanding growth of the industry.”
Key Facts
- Produce from New Zealand’s horticultural industries exceeded $8.7 billion in the year to 30 June 2016.
- Total horticulture merchandise exports for the year were $5.1 billion, an increase of 19% ($830 million) over 2015 figures. Horticulture is now 10.3% of New Zealand’s merchandise exports.
- New Zealand’s largest horticultural export is kiwifruit, worth $1.67 billion. Other key exports are wine ($1.56 billion), apples ($692 million), and onions ($112 million).
- New Zealand fresh fruit exports increased by 31% ($620 million) over 2015 figures. This included a 42% ($491 million) increase in kiwifruit exports and a 23% ($130 million) increase in apple exports.
- New Zealand wine exports increased by 11% ($150 million) over 2015 figures, and more than 50% ($520 million) over 2010 figures.
- New Zealand’s horticultural exports are increasingly Asia-focused, with the Asian continent receiving more than twice that of any other region at $1.9 billion.
For more information
Plant & Food Research Mt Albert
Emma Timewell
Communications Manager, Corporate Communications,
120 Mt Albert Road, Sandringham
Auckland, 1025, New Zealand
E-Mail: media@plantandfood.co.nz
Telephone: +64-9-925 8692
Mobile: +64-21-2429 365
www.plantandfood.co.nz