News comes as 2025 harvest is expected to deliver a 10 per cent increase on exports
New Zealand’s apple and pear industry has surpassed NZ$1bn in orchard gate revenue for the first time, according to new economic impact data.
Almost two-years after the industry took a significant hit during Cyclone Gabrielle, New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI) has shared its 2024 economic impact data, which reveals an annual orchard gate revenue of NZ$1bn as well as a total economic impact of NZ$2.5bn to the New Zealand economy.
This upward trajectory is expected to continue with NZAPI predicting the 2025 crop will deliver a 10 per cent increase on exports, from 19.1mn tray carton equivalents (TCEs) in 2024 (actual) to a potential 21.0mn TCEs in 2025. The crop is also expected to deliver a clean harvest of high-value, premium quality fruit thanks to ideal winter and spring conditions which have ensured exceptional colour, eating and flavour.
NZAPI chief executive, Karen Morrish said the season’s crop is a return to form after several challenge years for the industry and is reflective of a move towards more high-value varieties.
“New Zealand apples and pears are renown as a premium product,” she said. “While New Zealand is not the biggest supplier of apples in the world, we punch well above our weight globally. Our growers take pride in producing fruit that is healthy, clean and sustainable, and this year’s crop is exactly that.”
Morish added that demand in the industry’s key export markets remains strong, with consumers consistently returning for New Zealand fruit.
“We take immense pride in the economic impact that our industry contributes to New Zealand and the regions we live and work in and our economic impact statistics highlight the value of the industry’s work,” she said.
“With little change in planted area, increasing costs and yet a growth in our economic contribution, we can be confident that this has come from increased productivity, investment in high-value IP varieties and a diversification of international markets. Our industry is pulling sustainable levers to grow our contribution and NZAPI wants to ensure a healthy operating environment that is conducive to prosperity remains.”
At a regional level, the growth trend continued. NZAPI shared that in Hawke’s Bay, which is home to 65 per cent of the nation’s apple and pears crop, the industry contributed NZ$1.3bn in total economic impact; increased its GDP contribution by 37 per cent to NZ$583mn; and now employs more than 7,000 people.
In Tasman, home to 23 per cent of the national crop, the industry contributed NZ$383mn in total economic impact; increased its GDP contribution by 8 per cent to NZ$179mn; and now employs more than 3,300 people.
In Tairāwhiti, home to 5 per cent of the national crop, the industry contributed NZ$75mn in total economic impact; increased its GDP contribution by 38 per cent, from NZ$25mn in 2023 to NZ$35mn; and employs almost 100 people.
In Central Otago, home to 4 per cent of the national crop, the industry contributed NZ$65mn in total economic impact and increased its GDP contribution by 8 per cent to NZ$30mn.
