This year, New Zealand has, once again, exported far more fresh fruit and vegetables. That is going to amount to almost $3 billion, 11% more than in 2020. In 2017, it was still $2 billion. Kiwis very much define the picture. This product represents two-thirds of this year's total. New Zealand kiwis' (FOB) export value will reach $1.92 billion. So reports Jan-Kees Boon of Fruit and Vegetable Facts.
Kiwis sole reason for increase
Quantity-wise, New Zealand's fresh fruit and vegetable exports rose by two percent versus 2020. It will reach a new record of 1.54 million tons. This increase is entirely thanks to kiwi exports, which continue to rise. This year by almost ten percent, to 718,000 tons. In 2017 that was still 516,000 tons. More than half of New Zealand's kiwi exports are directed to countries in South and East Asia. The EU27 accounts for 36%.
Increasingly more gold; especially to South and East Asia
This product's growth is mostly due to yellow kiwi exports. These now make up nearly 60% of the total, compared to 45% in 2017. In terms of volumes, it will be 420,000 tons versus 2017's 225,000 tons. Green kiwi exports, too, are a bit bigger this year than in 2020. Those volumes were, however, higher in 2018 already.
Comparatively, New Zealand sends lots of yellow kiwis to South and East Asian countries. China and Japan are particularly large buyers. Increasing numbers of yellow kiwis are also going to EU countries. These countries will receive 110,000 tons of this variety. In 2020, that was 90,000 tons. But, EU countries still take more green than yellow kiwis. In the last three years, New Zealand shipped about 140,000 tons of green kiwis to the EU.
Apples
2021 was a moderate apple export year. Apples are the second largest New Zealand export product. This year, this product's exports will come in at a meager 404,000 tons. That's down from the previous three years. In 2020, it was more than 440,000 tons.
New Zealand is sending more and more apples too to countries in South and East Asia. This year, more than ever. Exports to this region accounted for 54% of New Zealand's total apple exports this year. In 2017, it was less than 40%. China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and India are major destinations in that region.
Very few apples to Europe
This year, New Zealand shipped noticeably fewer apples to Europe - less than 70,000 tons. That is more than 20% down from 2020's 86,000 tons. In 2018, it was even 107,000 tons. New Zealand's apple exports to the UK also fell by almost 20% this year. (Royal) Gala apple exports continued to grow through 2020.
It reached 137,000 tons. This year, that fell to less than 120,000 tons. Trailing far behind are Fuji, Envy, Braeburn, Jazz, Pink Lady, and Pacific Queen. Exports of new varieties like Rockit, Dazzle, Honeycrisp, and Koru are fairly modest, for now.
Click here for the fact sheet.
For more information:
Jan Kees Boon
Fruit and Vegetable Facts
Email: fruitvegfacts@gmail.com
Website: www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com