Government outlook report predicts exports to increase 19 per cent driven by kiwifruit and apple trade
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has released a new report that predicts horticulture export revenue to increase by 19 per cent in the year to 30 June 2025.
The Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report projected the country’s horticulture export revenue to increase by 19 per cent in the year to 30 June 2025, reaching NZ$8.5bn.
This growth is primarily driven by the kiwifruit industry, with exports expected to reach NZ$3.9bn, following a record 2024 crop with forecasts for an even larger crop in 2025.
Apple and pear export revenue is forecast to increase 18 per cent to A$1.1bn (the first time it has passed NZ$1bn), supported by increases in export volume and average price.
Vegetable exports are forecast to grow eight percent to NZ$770mn, driven by increases in export volume and firm pricing for frozen and processed products.
HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said the forecast is great news for growers, regional economies and the New Zealand economy.
“The horticulture sector continues to go from strength to strength. Our growers, exporters and supply chain partners deserve huge credit for their resilience and commitment to delivering world-class products from New Zealand,” said Scott.
“However, it is important to remember that greater export revenue for the horticulture sector does not necessarily translate into greater profitability for growers because they are facing increased costs of production, so we need to ensure that value is also returned to growers.
“The ability to grow the sector into the future is directly related to the profitability of horticulture businesses.”
The strong outlook supports the sector’s target of doubling farmgate value by 2035, as outlined in the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan, said Scott.
“It also reinforces the need for policy settings that enable the sector to grow nutritious, affordable fruit and vegetables,” she added.
“The government’s proposed changes to the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land – including recognising the national importance of vegetable production and enabling water storage and managed aquifer recharge – are a positive step in the right direction.”
