TRENOS SiGINT: New Zealand Fruit Exports Hit $5.68 Billion

JC Analyst:  November 2025

Signal:

New Zealand’s horticulture engine fired on all cylinders this year, with fruit exports surging 42 percent to $5.68 billion. Kiwifruit led the charge, up 45 percent on 2024, as global demand for gold varieties strengthened. The overall produce export value of $6.85 billion confirms the sector’s strong recovery trajectory and alignment with national export-growth objectives.

Human Factor:

For exporters and growers, this record season validates that investment in quality, branding, and resilient supply chains pays off. New Zealand’s fruit story continues to resonate with global consumers seeking premium provenance and trusted traceability.

TRENOS Metrics Snapshot

Signal	Fresh fruit exports reach $5.68 billion FOB (+42%)
Data Point	Fresh Facts 2025 Industry Data
TikTok Views	1.9 M (#ZespriGold #NZfruit #exportboom)
Retail Footprint	China 26%, EU 18%, Japan 11%, Australia 8%
Ingredient Format	Fresh fruit – kiwifruit, apples, cherries
Product Range	Fresh and processed produce
Consumer Segment	Premium retail and Asian import buyers
Brand Origin	New Zealand (Zespri dominant)
Export Status	$6.85 billion total produce exports
Trend Classification	Premiumisation + resilient horticulture
System Pressure Point	Freight capacity and seasonal labour
Momentum	Strong (upward CAGR to 2034 goal)
Sentiment	Confident and optimistic
Where Signal Is Loudest	Asia and EU trade channels
Related Links	unitedfresh.co.nz

Long Play Analysis - New Zealand Fruit Exports Hit $5.68 Billion

The 2025 fruit export season is confirmation New Zealand is a premium fresh-produce powerhouse. Kiwifruit once again proved the economic anchor, with record revenues driven by strong demand in Asia and Europe and the growing appeal of New Zealand’s sustainably produced fruit.

What makes this moment significant is its breadth - apples, cherries, and avocados all benefited from renewed market confidence and clear export pathways through China and the EU. Despite logistical pressures and cost headwinds, efficient port operations and brand-led positioning kept returns high.

The signal points to a decade of expansion anchored in premiumisation and market diversification. If the industry maintains its current trajectory, New Zealand’s produce exports could comfortably exceed the $10 billion target by 2034, making fruit not just green gold, but strategic currency for the nation’s agrifood future.

Download United Fresh's 2025 Report

PFN NEWS LINK

ENDS: