New Zealand retains dairy export lead while targeting wider food and nutrition growth
New Zealand accounted for 22.1% of global dairy exports last year, retaining its position as the largest single-country exporter. The country is now seeking growth in horticulture, fruit and evidence-based nutrition, with Asian markets central to the strategy.
Dairy remains the export foundation
New Zealand has retained its position as the world’s largest single-country dairy exporter, accounting for 22.1% of global exports last year, according to Rabobank’s World Dairy Map as reported by Newstalk ZB. Global dairy trade grew by 11% over the period covered by the map, underlining both the expansion of international demand and New Zealand’s continuing importance to cross-border supply.
More than 90% of New Zealand’s dairy production is exported, FoodNavigator reported. The country’s largely grass-fed production system and strict standards have helped establish its reputation as a premium dairy supplier. This export orientation also means that changes in overseas demand remain particularly important for New Zealand producers and processors.
China is still the largest customer in the global dairy market, Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins told Newstalk ZB. However, China is no longer the only source of growth. New demand is emerging in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, giving suppliers a broader set of markets in which to develop sales.
Strategy expands beyond dairy
New Zealand is seeking to extend its international reputation into other food and nutrition categories as competition increases and consumer preferences evolve. Erika Sirimanne, head of business development at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, told FoodNavigator’s Growth Asia Summit 2026 in Singapore that the country wants to move from a product-focused approach toward evidence-based nutrition.
The categories identified for expansion include horticulture, fruit and supplements. Protein and men’s health are two areas seen as offering growth potential. Anagenix manager Dr Vishka Mahajan said the protein market requires more research into digestion efficiency and absorption, rather than simply increasing the amount of protein in products. She also identified opportunities for more targeted men’s health products covering wellness, energy and vitality, with formulations adapted to different age groups.
Demand for ingredients linked to modern urban lifestyles is another area of focus. A MitoQ executive responsible for China and Asia-Pacific said consumers are moving beyond broad ingredients such as collagen toward more specific compounds including NMN and mitoquinol. Although these ingredients have been researched, much of the available evidence is centred on European populations, leaving a need for more studies involving Asian consumers.
Asian expansion requires evidence and local partners
China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and India are among New Zealand’s main target markets for further trade expansion. Food and nutrition companies will need research tailored to Asian consumers if they are to build the level of confidence already associated with New Zealand dairy.
Scientific evidence alone will not guarantee market access. Sirimanne said commercialisation and brand building also depend on speed to market, regulatory work, partnerships and local market knowledge. Regulatory environments can differ substantially across Asia and may be opaque, while consumer demand may not always be ready for a product when a supplier first seeks entry.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is organising its regional strategy around prevention, personalisation and partnership. This includes research into New Zealand flora, customised nutrition solutions and cooperation with local institutions. In Singapore, MitoQ is working with the National University of Singapore on clinical trials of mitoquinol for Asian consumers. Such projects are intended to provide locally relevant evidence and support the commercial development of New Zealand products beyond dairy.
