Fruit exports soaring in NZ, driven by kiwifruit

New data about Aotearoa New Zealand’s produce industry shows that fruit exports are soaring — up NZ$1.69 billion compared to last year — driven mainly by a large increase in kiwifruit exports.

United Fresh, which represents New Zealand’s pan-produce sector, released ‘Fresh Facts 2025’ on 30 October 2025, its industry facts and stats publication, containing critical data and insights about the New Zealand fruit and vegetable industry’s performance, and its outlook. United Fresh, and Fresh Facts, do not cover wine or wine grapes, as this is the realm of Winegrowers New Zealand.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s fresh and processed produce exporters achieved a combined value of NZ$6.85 billion FOB (free on board) in the year to 30 June 2025. Australia and Japan remain the country’s top export markets, followed by China and the EU.

“Fresh fruit exports alone generated $5.68 billion FOB, a $1.69 billion (42%) increase over 2024,” said Jacob Lawes, Project Manager United Fresh Technical Advisory Group. “Kiwifruit continues to be our largest export crop, contributing $3.66 billion FOB towards our fresh produce exports, up 35% compared to 2024.”

The government’s goal to double New Zealand’s produce exports from 2024’s $5.08 billion to $10.16 billion FOB by 2034 looks to be well within reach, based on export growth over the past 3–5 years. If the sector continues this growth rate, fresh produce exports will be worth between $14.8 billion and $18.5 billion FOB by 2034.

“Fresh Facts 2025 also reports our industry is well on track to reach the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP)’s farmgate value goal of $7.36 billion,” Lawes said.

Fresh Facts 2025 highlights the growing understanding of the importance of Māori in the industry: 5715 ha of Māori-owned land produces fruit and vegetables — a 470% increase over the last 20 years. Māori horticultural assets are now valued at $3.7 billion.

Each year, Fresh Facts provides detailed statistics for individual crop sectors, analysing overall volumes, and export markets and values, to identify emerging trends.

“This year’s publication contains fascinating data not previously included, such as the logistics of transporting fresh and processed produce. There are 13 air and seaports that handle produce exports, while our domestic rail network is responsible for transporting 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 highlights areas of concern. Starting in 2024, Fresh Facts began tracking industry’s sustainability efforts via industry annual reports.

“Despite 94% of annual reports analysed in 2025 mentioning sustainability, only 17% of organisations analysed have adopted the international sustainability framework, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and just 13% 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,” Lawes said.

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.

The full report can be downloaded from United Fresh’s website.

Image credit: iStock.com/GeorgeDolgikh