Edible brassicas market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled edible brassicas in New Zealand experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. It rose significantly to a peak of 122.3 thousand tonnes in 2019, before declining to 108.1 thousand tonnes in 2020. A modest recovery followed in 2021, bringing the market to 110.3 thousand tonnes, but a sharp contraction occurred in 2022, reducing volume to 89.6 thousand tonnes. The market stabilized in 2023 at 89.9 thousand tonnes.

In 2023, significant processing capacity, exemplified by the Watties Hastings factory processing over 30 000 tonnes of locally grown produce, provided a steady source of demand for brassicas destined for manufacturing. Concurrently, evolving consumer behavior, marked by a growing interest in home gardening and sustainability, began to influence consumption patterns, though these trends did not markedly alter the total market volume that year.

By 2024, industry investment in breeding and agronomic research, led by players like Agricom, and the introduction of new forage cultivars such as Pasja II indicated ongoing product innovation. The following year, 2025, saw continued shifts in consumer preferences toward sustainability and food waste reduction, while supermarkets and suppliers began adopting packaging innovations, factors relevant to the market's distribution and sales environment.

Production edible brassicas in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2018-2021

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2018-2021

In 2021, New Zealand produced 111 983 tonnes of edible brassicas, showing a modest year-on-year increase of 1.9%. Production grew by 5.3% between 2018 and 2021, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 123 803 tonnes, marking a significant increase of 16.4% from the previous year. However, in 2020, production experienced its largest decline, dropping by 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, edible brassicas production in New Zealand rebounded in value terms. In 2021, the output was valued at 144.8 million US dollars, representing a 10.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production value decreased by 5.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 131.6 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports edible brassicas from New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, the volume of edible brassicas exported from New Zealand declined in 2021. Exports totaled 1 737 tonnes, reflecting a gradual reduction of 5.1% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 39.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 11.7%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 831 tonnes, following the largest increase of 24.2% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for New Zealand's edible brassicas exports in volume terms were New Caledonia (28.7% of exports), Fiji (28.3%), and Samoa (18.3%). Together, these three markets accounted for 75.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Edible brassicas exports from New Zealand increased in value for the third consecutive year in 2021. Exports amounted to 2.247 million US dollars, marking a slight gain of 2.5% over the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 25.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, New Caledonia (27.7% of exports in value terms), Fiji (25.3%), and Samoa (15.5%) were the largest contributors to New Zealand's edible brassicas export value. Collectively, these three destinations accounted for 68.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports edible brassicas to New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

The import volume of edible brassicas into New Zealand showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2021, imports amounted to 21 tonnes, marking a steep rise of 46.1% compared to 2020. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 15 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 73.3%. Between 2018 and 2020, imports varied significantly, with a 4.6-fold difference between the maximum in 2018 and the minimum in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018-2021, Australia (52.0% of imports in volume terms), Fiji (23.9%), and China (22.6%) remained the main sources for edible brassicas imports into New Zealand. Together, these three countries accounted for 98.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value of edible brassicas into New Zealand showed signs of volatility over the observed period. In 2021, imports amounted to 58 000 US dollars, corresponding to a sudden uptick of 98.7% compared to the previous year. The lowest import value was recorded in 2020 at 29 000 US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 85.8%. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, reflecting an 8-fold gap between these years.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Australia was the key supplier of edible brassicas to New Zealand, accounting for 73.6% of total imports in value terms. The remainder came from a diversified group of other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021