Latest export statistics

The latest statistics from Fresh Facts show that cut flower and foliage exports from New Zealand in 2011 were up marginally on 2010 at $35.6 million.

However this is still significantly less than New Zealand’s export level of flowers in 1995 which was almost $50 million.

Fresh Facts is produced by Plant and Food Research with support from Horticulture New Zealand.

CEO, Plant & Food Research Peter Landon-Lane says New Zealand’s horticulture industry has continued to grow its exports despite tough economic times worldwide.

“Increasing diversification of varieties has proved a successful strategy for many of our horticulture industries. Added to this our science allows us to maintain access to our markets despite increasingly stringent phytosanitary and sustainability requirements.”

Mr Landon-Lane says the success of New Zealand’s horticulture industry depends on the skills and dedication of people throughout the value chain.

“By applying science and technology to our experience with key crops, the industry will continue to compete and win on the global stage.”

New Zealand’s largest export market for cut flowers in the latest statistics was Japan.

$12.5 million worth of orchids was sent from New Zealand to Japan in 2011 which is one third of the total cut flower exports.

Of the other 40 markets to which New Zealand cut flowers were exported, only three exceeded $1 million. They were the USA with $6.7 million (orchids made up $4.8 million), Hong Kong $1.8 million and Canada $1.3 million.

Orchids are still our top sellers overseas and lilium and tulips are our top bulb sellers.