Figures from New Zealand’s 2010 Household Economic Survey have identified the top fruit and vegetable on the country’s domestic market as the banana and tomato.

The figures, from Statistics New Zealand, also highlight an increase in household spending on fruits and vegetables, according to a statement by peak industry body Horticulture New Zealand.

Average weekly household spending on fresh produce in 2010 was NZ$20.30 (US$15.70), an increase from NZ$18.60 (US$14.38) in 2007. Households spent NZ$8.80 per week on fruit, and NZ$11.50 on vegetables.

Bananas were the standout favourite in the fruit category, netting NZ$142.19m (US$110m) for the year. Horticulture New Zealand CEO Peter Silcock said it was disappointing the market leader was an imported product.

“At least the mighty Kiwi apple is our second favourite,” he said. “But the most important information to come out of this survey is it shows New Zealanders are buying more fruit and vegetables, and that’s good for the whole country.”

The survey looked at people 15 and older living in 5,100 households.

NZ’s top 10 vegetables for 2010 (yearly overall spending)
1. Tomatoes (NZ$99.19)
2. Potatoes (NZ$98.95)
3. Mushrooms (NZ$52.63)
4. Lettuce (NZ$50.18)
5. Carrots (NZ$37.73)
6. Onions, shallots (NZ$37.47)
7. Peppers, capsicums, chillies (NZ$37.30)
8. Kumara (sweet potato) (NZ$36.75)
9. Broccoli, broccolini (NZ$31.53)
10. Cucumber, gherkins (NZ$23.18)

NZ’s top 10 fruit for 2010 (yearly overall spending)
1. Bananas (NZ$142.19)
2. Apples (NZ$98.43)
3. Oranges (NZ$41.74)
4. Mandarins, clementines (NZ$39.81)
5. Grapes (NZ$34.28)
6. Pears (NZ$27.83)
7. Avocados (NZ$27.15)
8. Strawberries (NZ$26.41)
9. Kiwifruit (NZ$23.98)
10. Nectarines (NZ$17.49)

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