Benefiting from optimized planting varieties and favorable weather conditions, New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry is poised for a historic harvest. According to the latest report on the New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the country’s kiwifruit production is projected to increase by nearly 1% to 800,000 metric tons in the 2025/26 season.
Variety Structure Continues to be Optimized
The sustained growth in New Zealand’s kiwifruit production capacity stems from recent structural adjustments in cultivated varieties. Industry data indicates that between 2013 and 2026, the country’s kiwifruit orchard area expanded steadily at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.4%, currently totaling slightly over 15,400 hectares. Although the pace of new area expansion has slowed in recent years due to tighter licensing for new varieties and land use changes in some regions, the output efficiency of existing orchards is improving.
Analysis by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) indicates that SunGold and RubyRed orchards, which have expanded in recent years, are gradually reaching maturity. Increased fruit yields have driven higher per-hectare production. The harvest season officially commenced in February 2026, with the early-ripening RubyRed variety leading the way. This is followed by peak harvesting periods for SunGold and green-flesh varieties, with the entire season expected to run through June. Currently, SunGold is New Zealand’s most widely planted variety. The traditional green-flesh Hayward variety still holds a significant market share, while red-flesh varieties, as emerging options, are steadily expanding their market presence.
Clear Drivers for Production Growth
Although New Zealand ranks as the world’s second-largest kiwifruit producer, accounting for 15.1% of global output, it holds absolute dominance in the international export market. The country alone contributes 65% of total global kiwifruit exports, far surpassing competitors like the EU (16%) and Chile (14%).
Export data reveals that New Zealand’s kiwifruit exports surged by 44% year-on-year during the 2024/25 season, reaching approximately 767,600 metric tons—a historic export record. By market distribution, the EU remains New Zealand’s largest export destination, accounting for 32% of total exports. China follows closely with 27%, while Japan and the United States contribute 14% and 6% respectively. During this season, New Zealand exported kiwifruit to 55 countries worldwide, with growth observed across all major markets.
Future Outlook
New Zealand’s Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources forecasts that the ongoing La Niña phenomenon before the harvest season will provide favorable growing conditions—free from frost and with ample rainfall—for the main kiwifruit production areas. Industry professionals hold optimistic expectations. From a long-term perspective, the U.S. Department of Agriculture report projects that New Zealand’s kiwifruit production still has approximately 10% growth potential over the next five years, with total output expected to reach 874,000 metric tons by 2030.
As New Zealand’s largest horticultural export, the kiwifruit industry contributed approximately NZ$3 billion (about US$1.8 billion) to the national economy in the 2024/25 season. Its sustained growth reflects not only rising production figures but also stable global consumer demand for high-quality kiwifruit.
