Vietnamese demand lifts Australian and New Zealand fruit imports
Vietnam imported $102.8 million of fruit, vegetables and flowers from Australia in the first half of 2026, up 55.7% year on year. Imports from New Zealand rose 20.4% to $78.04 million as branded fruit moved further into everyday urban shopping.
Australian supplies gain market share
Vietnamese demand for imported fruit is strengthening, with Australia and New Zealand recording substantial growth in the first half of 2026. Department of Customs statistics cited by VietnamNet show that Vietnam imported $102.8 million of fruit, vegetables and flowers from Australia during the six-month period, an increase of 55.7% from a year earlier.
Australia’s share of Vietnam’s total imports in the category rose from 5.5% to 6.51%. The increase reinforces Australia’s position as a supplier able to serve several seasons, consumer groups and price points rather than relying on a single flagship product.
Australian offerings include grapes, apples, oranges, mandarins, peaches, nectarines, cherries and plums. Differences in harvest seasons and growing regions allow these products to reach Vietnam at different times of the year. They are sold through supermarket chains, imported-food shops, premium fruit stores and seasonal promotional programmes.
New Zealand brands benefit from everyday consumption
Vietnam’s imports from New Zealand reached $78.04 million in the first six months of 2026, up 20.4% year on year. New Zealand has built particularly strong product recognition around kiwifruit and apples, giving distributors established brands that can be marketed on quality, consistency and appearance.
Retailers told VietnamNet that imported fruit is moving beyond its previous role as a premium purchase for festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations and gift baskets. A Co.opmart representative said some urban consumers now include imported apples, kiwifruit, grapes, cherries and oranges in routine shopping. Kingfoodmart also reported strong growth in imported-fruit consumption, identifying New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the Republic of Korea and South Africa as key suppliers.
The most sought-after products include kiwifruit, apples, grapes, oranges and pears. Retail-chain representatives said changing preferences have helped distributors expand market share and strengthen revenue growth. Consistent quality and attractive presentation also support demand for imported fruit as gifts for clients and business partners.
Seasonal demand and two-way trade
Nguyen Van Muoi, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said faster supply growth from Australia and New Zealand had widened the range available to Vietnamese consumers. He expects those countries and other suppliers to benefit during the fourth quarter and ahead of the Lunar New Year, when demand increases for premium fruit with stable quality, appealing appearance and suitability for gifts.
The growth in imports is occurring alongside stronger Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports. Australia remains one of Vietnam’s 10 largest export markets and a strategic partner in Oceania. Customs figures show that Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports to Australia increased at an average annual rate of 15.06% over the first five months of the 2022-2026 period.
Export value rose from $37.21 million in the first five months of 2022 to a period high of $60.69 million in the corresponding months of 2026. The figures point to a broader two-way produce relationship: Australian suppliers are gaining access to Vietnamese retail demand, while Vietnamese exporters are expanding sales into Australia. For importers and distributors, the immediate opportunity lies in managing seasonal ranges, maintaining quality and positioning branded fruit for both regular consumption and peak gift demand.
