New Zealand completes record-breaking, largest-ever kiwifruit harvest

New Zealand’s largest-ever kiwifruit harvest is now complete, said industry body New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (NZKGI). After three months of intensive picking, the country's green, gold, and red fruit is ready to hit retail shelves both domestically and internationally.

According to industry data, local growers have harvested approximately 225 million trays of kiwifruit, each one with an average of 30 individual fruits. Only small volumes remain on orchards.

This year’s bumper season beats 2025’s record harvest of 216 million trays, which generated $3.56 billion in fruit and service payments, supporting regional economies across the country.

New Zealand Kiwifruit: A varietal breakdown

Around five million trays of red kiwifruit were harvested early in February, with all fruit sold to retailers by mid-May. Almost 162 million trays of SunGold kiwifruit have been picked and are continuing to be shipped from New Zealand coolstores to international markets.

Meanwhile, green kiwifruit growers are facing a more uncertain outlook. The harvesting of around 58 million trays took longer than expected due to delayed maturity on vines, resulting in less fruit reaching supermarkets early in the season.

Further, yields of the variety are more than 14 percent lower than 2025, and while the strong per-tray returns have supported growers in recent years, the drop may impact their overall profitability this season.

New Zealand kiwifruit growers will now be closely monitoring the large volumes of this season’s crop as they flow through to international markets, focusing on ensuring that quality is maintained from orchard to consumer and securing strong prices.

The quality outlook for Kiwi kiwifruit

Early indications point to good fruit quality, although a clearer picture will emerge later in the year. While the industry has worked collaboratively to address quality issues in recent years, it is not yet certain whether these challenges have been fully resolved.

Despite quality concerns, the collaborative nature of the industry has helped realize the successful results of this season.

“In a world that is becoming increasingly fractured, with supply chain risks and trade barriers, we’ve worked together to create a value chain that is best in class. The value we see today is not accidental. It is the result of a system that works, and one we must protect,” said NZKGI CEO Colin Bond.

New Zealand kiwifruit growers expect to gain clarity regarding returns for this years’ crop in September. Looking further out over the next five years, returns are forecast to remain strong with green kiwifruit returns at $9 to $11; gold at $11 to $14, and red $12.50 to $16.50 per tray.

Production is forecast to increase to 236 million trays over this period.

An industry that keeps on growing

The New Zealand kiwifruit industry is currently experiencing strong growth and the largest horticultural export in the country. According to government data, revenue is expected to grow 16 percent and reach to NZ$4.8 billion ($2.76 billion) ahead of wine, pome fruit, and vegetables.

The positive outlook is set to continue, with several announcements during the harvest expected to further strengthen the industry, including enhanced PVR protections and progress on the India Free Trade Agreement.

*All images courtesy of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. 

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