Productivity gains and high-value varieties see New Zealand’s apple and pear industry contribute almost NZ$2bn to national economy, according to new report
A new report on the economic contribution of the New Zealand apple and pear industry has revealed the industry has contributed almost NZ$2bn of total revenue impact to the national economy in the last 12 months.
The report, conducted by MartinJenkins, cited productivity gains, a reduction in land use, innovation within orchard and packhouse infrastructure and investment into new, high-value plantings as contributing factors for the industry’s record NZ$1.96bn total revenue impact in 2023.
In the ten years to 2023, the sector increased its export value from NZ$347mn to more than NZ$892mn and recorded a value growth rate that outstripped New Zealand’s total export value growth rate.
The sector did this while also achieving significant sustainability gains, including a recorded 70 per cent decrease in chemical usage in the ten years to 2023.
Increased productivity and packout rates have also contributed to a 19 per cent reduction in the carbon footprint of packhouse and coolstores, and an overall 13 per cent reduction of the full export apple value chain.
New Zealand Apple and Pears chief executive, Karen Morrish, said the economic report provided a valuable snapshot as the industry continues to target value growth.
“We’re pleased to see that the growth in our export value has come from increased productivity and investment as well as the diversification of international markets. As an industry, we believe these efficiencies will make room for further growth in value and returns,” Morrish said.
“With the right settings, our industry’s contribution to national and regional economies can be secured, remain safe and sustainable and we can continue to produce the world’s best quality fruit right here in New Zealand.”
As New Zealand works to double the value of its exports over the next ten years, T&G Global’s chief operating officer apples, Shane Kingston, said the apple and pear sector has a vital role to play in helping achieve this goal.
“New Zealand has a world-leading position in intellectual property, innovative growing and post-harvest systems and world-class food safety, quality and sustainability standards. This, alongside our geographical position in the Pacific Rim, positions our sector well to capture increased value,” Kingston said.
“At T&G, we’ve invested significantly in developing and planting unique premium varieties, redeveloping orchards to ensure they’re automation-ready and investing in a NZ$90mn world-leading automated packhouse in Hawke’s Bay. Combined with our commitment to building strong in-market sales and marketing performance through our own people and partnerships, this helps us build global brands, lift productivity and deliver strong returns to growers and regional communities.”
