New Zealand’s fruit exports have soared to NZD 1.69 billion compared to last year, driven mainly by a significant increase in kiwifruit exports.
Australia and Japan remained the top export markets, followed by China and the EU.
According to United Fresh’s Fresh Facts 2025, New Zealand’s fresh and processed produce exporters achieved a combined value of NZD 6.85 billion FOB (free on board) in the year to the 30th of June 2025.
“Fresh fruit exports alone generated NZD 5.68 billion FOB, a 42 percent increase over 2024. Kiwifruit continues to be our largest export crop, contributing NZD 3.66 billion FOB towards our fresh produce exports, up 35 percent compared to 2024,” said Jacob Lawes, Project Manager, United Fresh Technical Advisory Group.
The Government’s goal to double New Zealand’s produce exports from 2024’s NZD 5.08 billion to NZD 10.16 billion FOB by 2034 looks to be well within reach, based on export growth over the past three to five years.
If the sector continues this growth rate, fresh produce exports will be worth between NZD 14.8 billion and NZD 18.5 billion FOB by 2034.
“Fresh Facts 2025 provides accurate and reliable data, allowing us to track progress against this significant goal. It also reports our industry is well on track to reach the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP)’s farmgate value goal of NZD 7.36 billion.”
Fresh Facts 2025 highlighted the growing understanding of the importance of Māori in the industry as 5,715ha of Māori-owned land produce fruit and vegetables, an astounding 470 percent increase over the last 20 years. Māori horticultural assets are now valued at NZD 3.7 billion.
Lawes added that this year’s publication contains fascinating data not previously included, such as the logistics of transporting fresh and processed produce, like 13 air and seaports that handle produce exports.
At the same time, the domestic rail network transports almost 11,000 tonnes of bananas, 15,000 tonnes of potatoes, and 19,000 tonnes of onions between selected regions for both domestic and export customers.
Despite impressive growth figures, Fresh Facts 2025 also highlighted areas of concern, such as only 17 percent of organisations analysed have adopted the international sustainability framework, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and just 13 percent use data to track their sustainability progress or achievements.
“While sustainability reporting has improved since 2024, there is still a significant gap between sustainability awareness and action. Industry needs to urgently address this gap to safeguard our natural resources.”
This year’s Fresh Facts also looks at the key systems shaping the future of New Zealand’s produce industry, including: AI; food safety; industry standards; training and career pathways; and attracting new industry entrants through scholarships.
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