Export revenue from Fresh and Processed vegetables was $684 million for the year ending March 2023. It is forecasted to reach $710 million by the end of June 2023 which will represent a substantial increase on the previous year, despite a 11.4% decrease in export volumes.
Export data for Vegetables is calculated as part of the Horticulture industry. The broader Horticulture sector contributed 12% ($7.1b) to the total export revenue in the food and fibre sector for the year ending March 2023.
Australia was the largest export market for fresh and processed vegetables (29%), followed by Japan (19%) for the year ending March 2023. Onions3 are our single largest vegetable export, followed by processed vegetables and frozen vegetables.
Export revenue for fresh and processed vegetables is forecast to increase in coming years. Factors predicted to support increased export revenue include: onion growers looking to improve access to Asian markets; changes to crop selection particularly for growers in regions impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle; and an expectation of increases in crop volumes following recent losses from weather events.
GDP Trend
Vegetable growers’ contribution to the economy is expected to decrease in the coming years, continuing a declining trend since 2019.
2. IBISWorld, “Vegetable Growing in New Zealand,” Industry Report (New Zealand: IBISWorld (access is by subscription only), March 2022), https://www.ibisworld.com/