The report on the year ended June 2002 shows that horticultural is among New Zealand's top growth industries. Values for the 12-month period reached NZ$1.2bn (£383.4million).

Unsurprisingly kiwifruit and apples outperformed other products with kiwifruit sendings up four per cent in value and apple exports 23.3 per cent to NZ$618.4m and NZ$420.9m respectively.

Horticultural exports have taken off over the past 20 years rising from NZ$10m in 1980 to NZ$2.1bn this past year.

Onions and squash dominate vegetable sendings and avocado, citrus, pear and apricot exports have also all seen increases. The only blip in results appears to have been berries which had a disappointing year dropping in value by 22 per cent to NZ$15.7m

Topics