Season's first kiwifruit China bound
Zespri's first charter shipment of the 2024 New Zealand kiwifruit season is on its way to Shanghai.
Kiwifruit exports rose $105 million (47%) in the year to June 2016 to reach $331 million, Statistics New Zealand says.
Overall, goods exports rose $109 million (2.6%) in June 2016 (to $4.3 billion).
The June 2016 rise was across all our top kiwifruit export destinations, but particularly Japan (up $55 million) and China (up $39 million). The quantities of kiwifruit exported also rose (up 32%), with gold kiwifruit up 49%, and green kiwifruit up 21%.
"Export values of kiwifruit for the months of May and June 2016 are the two highest on record," international statistics senior manager Jason Attewell says. "Annual kiwifruit exports for the June 2016 year also set a new record – $1.7 billion – up 41% from the previous June year."
Annual exports of all fruit were up $617 million (31%) for the June 2016 year. Apples also contributed to the rise, up $130 million (23%).
The rise in fruit exports eclipsed other rises in export commodities for the June 2016 year, including forestry products (up $250 million), and meat products (up $237 million).
The rise in fruit also helped to offset a fall in annual exports of milk powder, butter, and cheese (down $875 million). Within these dairy exports there were contrasting movements; milk powder was down $1.1 billion (16%), with little change in the quantity exported. In contrast, the values and quantities of butter, cheese, and fresh milk and cream exported were all up in the year ended June 2016.
This release focuses on our goods trade.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.