Kiwifruit exports were valued at $3.5 billion for the 2024 season, according to data released by Stats NZ.

The value of kiwifruit exports in the 2024 season has increased by $1 billion (44 percent), compared with 2023.

The kiwifruit season is typically from March to November.

Gold kiwifruit tend to have a higher unit price than green.

“While the prices for kiwifruit remained relatively stable, the volume of kiwifruit produced this season has driven the overall increase in exports,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

“This is a great recovery for the industry after last year’s weather events, and a return to historic highs.”

Kiwifruit made up 73 percent ($3,456 million) of fruit exports for the year ended November 2024, followed by apples, which represented 21 percent ($979 million).

Over the same period, apples rose $118 million, and avocados rose $33 million compared with November 2023.

“We’re seeing the majority of our avocado exports heading to Australia,” Ward said.

Total fruit exports for the year ended November 2024 were valued at $4.7 billion.