New Zealand government estimates new market access worth NZ$5m to the country’s blueberry exporters
New Zealand has secured market access to Korea for blueberries, providing new export opportunities for the nation’s blueberry industry.
New Zealand’s minister for trade and agriculture Todd McClay announced the news on 1 October and said it could unlock an estimated NZ$5m (US$3.15m) in annual export opportunities.
“This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of NZ$190m in non-tariff barriers in the past year. We are steadfast in our efforts to reduce barriers, open new markets and return greater value to exporters’ back pockets,” he said.
“Increased market access is a key part of the government’s strategy to increase trade value for New Zealand’s safe and high-quality produce. This will contribute towards our ambitious goal of doubling exports by value within ten years.”
Blueberries New Zealand, chairperson Kelvin Bezuidenhout said the breakthrough was a result of many years of work and would help the industry diversify its exports.
The New Zealand blueberry industry has been supporting our Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in its request for market access to South Korea’s APQA over the last number of years. This work culminated in an industry audit by APQA in January this year. Following the audit, an official assurance programme was developed with MPI and has just been signed off by South Korean officials. This now paves the way for exports to begin,” said Bezuidenhout.
”The New Zealand blueberry industry is highly reliant on Australia as an export destination with over 80 per cent of our exports destined for this market. The opening up of new markets will help us to diversify our exports and assist in reducing the reliance on our domestic market.”
Officials from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries will now move implement the necessary compliance measures to ensure that New Zealand exporters can begin shipping blueberries to Korea. Bezuidenhout said he expects the first shipments to commence this season as New Zealand blueberry production begins in December and January.
”We have had a warm winter and fruit quality is looking excellent and slightly early. We can’t wait for Koreans to get a taste of our fruit,” said Bezuidenhout.
”Korea is already a key market for New Zealand exports including fruit. It is a success story for New Zealand kiwifruit and we hope to leverage the New Zealand reputation for high quality produce to gain a foothold for our blueberries. There are established competitors with the US and particularly Chile who will compete in our window. We are happy with good quality competition and see great opportunities to grow the category in Korea.
“Koreans value fruit and vegetables as staples for good health. This has seen the local production of blueberries increase and we are looking to support this growth in their offseason.”
