In the first half of this year, 8% more was exported than in the same period in 2015, and in total value, the growth was even greater. In dollar terms, exports grew more than 30% in the first half of this year.

New Zealand has been looking for new markets outside the EU, following the trend in recent years. Exports to EU countries decreased by 3%, while the export to other destinations grew 15%. 

TExports kiwifruit had the greatest growth (14%), while the export of apples grew as well, but not as much (3%). Two thirds of the total New Zealand exports of fresh fruit and vegetables consisted of these two varieties. 

Japan and China were responsible for the growth of the export of kiwifruit, with increases of 41% and 51%, respectively. Apples were mostly exported to the US (50%) and Taiwan (35%). 

Increasing export of gold kiwifruit

NZ exports of kiwifruit increased to a record of 321,000 tonnes in the first half of this year, compared to 270,000 tons in the first half of 2015.

The increased interest in gold kiwifruit has resulted in exports increasing by 42% to 141,000 tons in the first half of this year.

The export of green kiwifruit decreased by 2% to 160,000 tons. The gold variety is exported primarily to Asian markets, which the Japanese and the Chinese are the most important. Green kiwifruit is predominantly exported to EU countries. 

More apples to Asia than EU

The export of apples has increased with 3%, relative to the same period last year, but only a few years ago, New Zealand marketed more apples in foreign countries.

The sale of New Zealand’s apples is gradually decreasing in EU countries. In the first half of 2013, 146,000 tons were marketed in the EU. In the first half of this year, the marketing decreased to 115,000 tons. 

Royal Gala remains the most important export variety. In the first half of this year, 116,000 tons were exported. This is more than last year, but the same as the first half-year period, a few years ago.

The second export variety, Braeburn, is being exported, gradually less. Jazz apples were exported more this year than last year, but not more than a few years ago.

Two new varieties, Envy and Pacific Queen, are emerging, but not strongly marketed in the EU. Envy is exported mostly to the US, and the Pacific Queen mostly to China. Royal Gala is exported to the US, as well as in the Gulf States and the United Kingdom. Braeburns are mostly marketed in EU countries. 

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