New Zealand exporter bets on Indian growers to fuel kiwifruit demand

[WELLINGTON] New Zealand’s biggest kiwifruit exporter is betting that helping Indian farmers grow more of the fruit – not less – will drive demand in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

The strategy follows a free-trade agreement announced in late December that will cut tariffs on New Zealand kiwifruit exports to India and also triggers a programme designed to boost local production by sharing New Zealand expertise.

“India represents a huge opportunity for kiwifruit with the world’s largest population and fastest-growing large economy,” Jason Te Brake, chief executive of Mount Maunganui-based Zespri, said on Monday (Jan 5). “Indian consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellbeing and looking for high-quality, nutritious products to support this.”

Because Indian production occurs during the New Zealand off-season, Zespri is betting that a year-round presence of the fruit will bolster overall demand.

“By working together, we can help Indian growers increase their returns, expand the market and have more Indian consumers enjoy kiwifruit all year round,” Te Brake said.

Zespri and the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science have been working with the Indian government, state governments and other officials to develop the programme, which will see BSI partner with Indian growers over five years to improve production, quality and supply chain performance, Zespri said.

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Model orchards will be established in key growing regions to demonstrate best practice and provide training, while there will also be technical exchanges between the two nations.

Indian growers produced about 18,300 tonnes of kiwifruit in 2023 to 2024. The industry is seeing rising demand but faces challenges such as fragmented supply chains, small average fruit size, variable quality and limited post-harvest infrastructure, Zespri said. Improved production and supply chain performance have the potential to increase production by as much as 10 times, it said. BLOOMBERG