The New Zealand fresh produce industry goal of achieving $10 billion (£4.7bn) in value by 2020 came a step closer with the release of figures yesterday showing total export revenue of $2.2bn in 2009.
Horticulture New Zealand president Andrew Fenton commended the industry for its continued growth during difficult economic times.
He said: “We have no way of really knowing exactly what impact the global financial crisis had on our business, and for that matter, continues to have on our business.
“But we do know we have shown growth, when many other sectors have not. And we have to be proud of that,” Andrew says.
The export and domestic market combined is worth $4bn to New Zealand. HortNZ believes the industry is well on the way to achieving its goal of ‘10/2020’.
The Horticulture Industry Strategy released last year made it clear that the only way to achieve that goal is by increasing exports.
Fenton added: “This means we have to support those parts of the industry already growing offshore, like kiwifruit and processed potatoes, and also look to support new products trying to make their way in exports.
“We also have to work harder to get alongside the people working in support of the industry, in science, research, technology, marketing and market access.
“It is a challenge, but now we know we can survive, and grow, through tough times.”
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