TThe New Zealand horticulture industry, which includes new produce and wine, exports more than NZ $ 10bn for the first time in a year to June 30, 2020, and NZ rose to $ 450 million in 2019 by $ 6.6 billion.
According to the latest figures from the NSC Annual Facts in Fruit and Food Research and NC Annual Statistics, many of the country’s top fresh produce – including kiwi fruit, apples and avocados – continued to grow over the past 12 months.
With Zephyr’s new red breed, the first of its kind in Singapore and Japan, the Kiifrit business itself generated record sales of NZ $ 2.5bn.
Meanwhile, exports of apples, avocados and onions contributed NZ $ 876m, NZ $ 112m and NZ $ 148m.
Blueberry exports increased by NZ $ 44.4m by 14 percent, and squash sales to coastal markets increased by NZ $ 59.7m from NZ $ 79.7m in 2019.
The figures reflect a strong performance in New Zealand’s fruit and vegetable exports, especially during the second half of the year.
“In one year of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand’s horticultural industry has shown strength and our products are in high demand,” said David Hughes, CEO of Plant and Food Research.
Our reputation for high quality and safe food, coupled with the fastest growing systems and novelty products, is essential to maintaining New Zealand’s global market share.
Multiple markets
The market for Hughes is definitely different. By 2020, New Zealand’s production reached 128 countries, and the five markets were continental Europe, Japan, the United States, Australia and China.
Exports to Asia accounted for $ 2.76 billion, or about 42 percent of NZ’s gross domestic product.
Again, kiwi ifruit is a model for reaching 51 countries, with 65 percent of sales in Asian markets.
Apples did just that. Of the country’s 990 gardens and 57 packages, more than 40 percent of apples weighed more than 402,000 tons a year ago.
Exports of fresh vegetables remain stagnant at NZ $ 300m, although vegetables sold are NZ $ 424m.
Squash exports rose 24 percent to NZ $ 79m. And, filled with demand for carrots and radish, exports of vegetables continue to grow at NZ 112m, more than double a decade ago.
New Zealand CEO Nadin Tunili said the horticultural industry has continued to grow despite the outbreak.
“Fruit and vegetable development will play a key role in guiding New Zealand’s economic recovery and reducing climate change,” he said. However, if the garden is to reach its full potential, it must support government policies on current labor, high productive land and clean water, investment in research and development, and compliance.
Currently, there is a link between the potential of our industry and the decisions that affect land farmers in central and local government decisions.