Frozen potatoes market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, New Zealand's production of frozen potatoes increased from 57,000 t to 62,881 t, while the market volume grew from 56,918 t to 62,785 t. This expansion was driven by robust export demand for frozen potatoes, particularly to Australia which accounted for over 75% of exports. Concurrently, new market access for fresh potatoes to Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam broadened the industry's opportunities. A shift in consumer preferences toward convenient processed products further bolstered demand for frozen potato items.

A sharp market correction occurred in 2022, with production falling to 47,946 t and market volume declining to 47,970 t. In 2023, production stabilized at 47,882 t and the market volume remained virtually unchanged at 47,971 t. Throughout the period, phytosanitary regulations continued to restrict fresh potato exports to key markets like Japan and Australia, reinforcing the importance of the processed frozen segment for the industry's trade flows.

Rising food prices in April 2020, influenced by supply chain and inflation factors, also affected the potato market. The industry's reliance on export market access policies and consumer trends for convenience remained central to its dynamics during these years.

Production frozen potatoes in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand ranked 8th globally in frozen potato production volume.

Top producers of frozen potatoes, 2018-2021

World map of production of frozen potatoes, 2018-2021

Frozen potato production in New Zealand grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 62 881 tonnes of frozen potatoes, marking a slight increase of 1.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 10.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

Exports frozen potatoes from New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, New Zealand's frozen potato shipments abroad totaled 281 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decline of 76.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 232 tonnes, with the largest increase of 207.8% also occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia (32.2% of exports by volume), Samoa (18.4%), and Papua New Guinea (14.5%) formed the core of New Zealand's frozen potato exports, together accounting for 65.1% of total 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

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values hit their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2020, with a 3-fold gap between these years. In 2021, cross-border shipments of frozen potatoes from New Zealand reached 401 thousand US dollars, showing a loss of 66.5% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 196 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase of 158.3% occurred in 2019.

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

During 2018-2021, Indonesia (26.6% of exports by value), Papua New Guinea (16.5%), and Samoa (14.6%) consistently remained the main destinations for New Zealand's frozen potato exports in value terms, together accounting for 57.6% of total 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 frozen potatoes to New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

New Zealand's volume of frozen potato imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 185 tonnes of frozen potatoes, equivalent to a 27.0% decrease year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 42%, equating to an annualized decline of 16.6%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 337 tonnes, with the largest increase of 5.8% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, the partner structure for imports by volume was centered on China, which accounted for 71.4% of total flows, while other markets formed a less significant portion.

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

Imported frozen potato volumes in New Zealand declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports were recorded at 227 thousand US dollars, down by 33.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 37.1%, with an average annual decline of 14.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 407 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 12.7% also occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China and the United States consistently accounted for 80.9% of New Zealand's total frozen potato imports in value terms, indicating a high degree of concentration alongside a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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