en.Wedoany.com Reported - New Zealand's kiwifruit industry has completed a massive harvest in the 2026 season, with total production reaching 225 million trays, surpassing the previous record of 216 million trays set in 2025. This continues the growth momentum of the country's horticultural sector.
After three months of intensive harvesting, consumers in New Zealand and international markets can now purchase new-season green, gold, and red kiwifruit in supermarkets. New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) reports that the total production includes approximately 162 million trays of SunGold kiwifruit, 5 million trays of red kiwifruit, and about 58 million trays of green kiwifruit. Each tray contains an average of about 30 fruits. The industry's fruit and service payments revenue for the previous season was approximately US$2.1 billion, making a significant contribution to the regional economy.
Despite the record industry production, green kiwifruit growers face a more challenging situation. NZKGI notes that due to delayed fruit maturation, the harvest period extended beyond expectations, leading to reduced early market supply. Additionally, yields have declined by more than 14% compared to 2025. Although per-tray returns have remained robust in recent years, the drop in yield may impact the final profitability of some growers. NZKGI Chief Executive Colin Bond acknowledged the work of the entire supply chain during an exceptionally busy season and thanked all those involved in orchard and packhouse operations for their efforts in harvesting and packing this unusually large crop.
With the harvest concluded, growers are now focusing on the commercial performance of the fruit in international markets. NZKGI emphasizes that the industry is closely monitoring the performance of the large volume of exported fruit and price trends in the coming months. Preliminary reports indicate good fruit quality, but the industry states that more time is needed to assess commercial results and determine whether challenges observed in the previous season have been resolved. Bond also stressed the importance of collaboration among growers, exporters, and other supply chain participants in a global environment fraught with logistical risks and trade barriers.
The outlook for the coming years remains optimistic. The industry projects that production will increase to 236 million trays over the next five years, with grower returns remaining at attractive levels. The June 2026 "Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries" report compiled by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries lists kiwifruit as the country's leading horticultural export product. Industry revenue is expected to grow by 16% this year, reaching US$2.8 billion, surpassing sectors such as wine, apples and pears, and vegetables. The industry also sees growth opportunities from recently announced regulatory and trade measures, including enhanced protection of new variety plant rights and progress on a free trade agreement between New Zealand and India, which could reduce tariffs and expand access for New Zealand kiwifruit into that market.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
