Kiwi organic sector sees a huge jump in exports

New Zealand’s organic sector has grown 30 per cent over the past two years to an estimated value of $600 million, led by a 42 per cent jump in organic exports, according to the latest market report published today.

The value of the country’s organic sector lifted to $600m in 2017, from $467m in 2015, according to the Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) 2018 report released yesterday. Over that period, the value of organic exports jumped 42 per cent to $355m, making up 60 per cent of the total, while the value of the domestic organic market increased 8.8 per cent to $245m.

“The 2018 report findings reporting market growth of 15 per cent a year tell us loud and clear that opportunity lies before us,” OANZ chief executive Brendan Hoare said in a statement. “The world wants what New Zealand has to offer, and we have the capability to grow our share of the global market.”

According to OANZ, the organic market is the fastest growing multifood sector in the world, driven by consumers who seek sustainable, ethical and authentic natural products. It says the global market for organic food is worth 85 billion euro and is growing at 10.5 per cent a year.

In the period covered by the report, New Zealand’s organic exports of fresh fruit and vegetables increased 26 per cent to $136m, while dairy, meat and wool exports lifted 45 per cent to $99.5m, and wine exports advanced 13 per cent to $46.5m.

Europe, North America and Australia were the sector’s primary export destinations. — BusinessDesk