A new report shows New Zealand horticulture sector is thriving and says it is well on track to meet its goal of being worth $10 billion by 2020.
According to the latest Fresh Facts, published annually by Plant & Food Research since 1999, the industry was valued at $9.2 billion in the year ending 30 June, 2018, up $400 million from 2017.
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The increase was driven by a strong growth in exports, which rose to $5.5 billion from $5.1 billion the year before.
The report said horticultural exports tripled from $1.7 billion 20 years ago, and now accounted for almost 10 percent of New Zealand's total merchandise exports.
Kiwifruit and wine were the main drivers for New Zealand's horticultural success.
More than a third (34 percent) of the export revenue was attributable to kiwifruit ($1.86 billion, up from $1.66 in 2017).
Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit had proven popular in key export markets. It now accounts for around 40 percent of the crop.
Wine contributed to another 31 percent of total horticulture exports ($1.69 billion, up from $1.66 billion in 2017). Sauvignon Blanc was still the main crop, but other wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris were are also increasing in production.
The report said the apple industry remained extremely competitive on the world stage. Apple exports rose to $732.9 million in 2018 from $691 million in 2017.
New cultivars such as JazzTM and EnvyTM provided both diversification and increased value.
With export values reaching $115 million (up from $93.8 million in 2017), the potato industry had seen a shift from fresh potato exports to processed potato products.
Onions, peas and squash remained integral parts of the horticultural export mix over the years.
New Zealand horticultural produce was exported to 128 countries. The top five markets were Continental Europe, Australia, the USA, China and Japan.
Together they account for close to $3.7 billion and more than two-thirds (68 percent) of the total exports.
Exports to Asia recorded a significant jump of $912 million to $2.068 billion year-on-year.
CEO of Plant & Food Research, David Hughes, said the industry was well diversified.
"It continues to adapt to consumer and market needs to ensure New Zealand products remain in demand and sell at a premium overseas," he said.
"Part of the premium derives from our innovative and sustainable global reputation. We look forward to helping all our sectors realise their potential and deliver a smart green future for New Zealand, " Hughes said.
Mike Chapman, Chief Executive of Horticulture New Zealand, Mike Chapman also welcomed the report.
"We are delighted to witness the extraordinary growth of our industry over the last 20 years," he said.
"We're committed to creating an enduring environment where the industry can continue to prosper and achieve our common goal."
Key facts:
- Produce from the New Zealand horticultural sector exceeded $9.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2018.
- The total value of horticultural exports was $5.5 billion in 2018, tripling from $1.7 billion in 1999.
- The biggest horticultural export was kiwifruit ($1.86 billion). Other key exports were wine ($1.69 billion), apples ($732.9 million), and potatoes ($114.9 million).
- Exports to five markets ‒ Continental Europe, Australia, the USA, China and Japan ‒ accounted for almost $3.7 billion and 68 percent of the total exports.
- The diversity of horticultural products exported was apparent in the 21 products exported to Asia, each valued between $6 million and over $1 billion, and to Australia with 14 categories, each valued between $5 million and over $300 million FOB value.
- Honey exports went to 52 countries, with a total value of $348.0 million FOB (Consistent with other entries in Fresh Facts, honey exports are not included in totals).
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