Stats New Zealand has revealed that the country's food exports increased in 2022.
While the overall value of exports rose by 14 percent when compared to 2021, Stats New Zealand's international trade manager Alasdair Allen stated that the increases were the result of price inflation.
"Many major export commodities eased in volume but saw price increases drive higher values across the year," noted Allen.
The largest increase was dairy, meat and other animal products, the country's largest export commodity group, while vegetable and fruit exports fell across the board.
Composing 28 percent of total exports over 2022, this group amassed an export value of 20.6 billion, up by 21 percent or 3.5 billion from 2021.
The cause of this increase was price-driven, as quantities fell 7.3 per cent over the same period.
Within dairy, commodities like milk powder, butter and cheese all saw large export price increases. Milk fats were the only exports within this group to rise in quantity and price.
Meat was also a significant contributor to the rise in New Zealand's annual exports, seeing a growth of 12 percent, reaching 9.8 billion. The price per kilogram increased by 19 percent.
Other animal products that saw an increase in exports were fish and crustaceans, rising 7.7 percent, and live animals, which was up by 14 percent.
The country's honey exports fell by 9.4 percent, with quantities down by 13 percent.
Fruit exports were down overall, dropping in value by 2.3 percent and quantities by 7.7 percent.
Kiwifruit fell the most, falling by 5.1 percent in value and quantities by 8.9 percent. Due to lower quantities caused by disease, labour shortages and unfavourable weather patterns, green kiwifruit fell 24 percent in value. Gold kiwifruit rose by 4.3 percent.
Likewise, avocadoes also fell by 28 percent due to lower quantities produced.
However, apples and cherries rose in value, partially off-setting the overall fall in price of fruit.
The export value of vegetables fell by 3.5 percent. Propelling the fall was squash and onions, driven by raised costs in production materials like fertilisers, diesel and unseasonable weather conditions.
Partially off-setting these falls was potatoes, which rose by 40 percent.
Other key food exports like wine and chocolate also saw significant increases in value.
