Potato market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand's fresh potato market expanded in volume, with production rising from 496.6 thousand tons to 557.5 thousand tons. This growth was supported by improved export access to markets like Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam, despite ongoing phytosanitary restrictions in major destinations. Growers focused on managing fungal diseases and pests, ensuring consistent crop quality and year-round supply through sequential planting across regions.

The market volume contracted sharply in 2022, falling to 405.0 thousand tons, before stabilizing in 2023. Terrible weather that year reduced harvest quality, leading to an oversupply of lower-grade potatoes domestically. Simultaneously, the industry's value jumped by 27% in 2023, driven by consumer preference for processed chips and frozen fries, which accounted for over 61% of domestic industry value.

Throughout the period, potato growers emphasized value creation and efficiency to navigate climate risks and market challenges, with exports remaining limited by strict plant health requirements but showing potential for growth in fresh produce segments.

Production potato in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of potato, 2018-2021

World map of production of potato, 2018-2021

New Zealand's potato production volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 557.5 thousand tonnes of potatoes, showing a modest advance of 0.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 12.2%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

New Zealand's potato production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output of potatoes was valued at 310.6 million US dollars, marking a limited advance of 9.1% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, however, production value decreased by 3.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 265.6 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 17.7% also occurring that year.

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

Exports potato from New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

Foreign potato supplies from New Zealand declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 24 193 tonnes, representing a 5.3% fall compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.6%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the partner structure for exports in kind was centered on Fiji, whose share amounted to 82.6% of total flows, while other markets formed a less significant perimeter.

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

After a two-year fall, potato export volumes from New Zealand increased. In 2021, New Zealand exported 13 481 thousand US dollars worth of potatoes, equivalent to a small increase of 2.3% versus the previous year. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 23.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 13 173 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline of 21.8% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Fiji remained the main outlet for potatoes from New Zealand, taking 82.0% of total exports in value terms, while the remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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 potato to New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, New Zealand imported 11 tonnes of potatoes, recording only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, imports increased by 2 955.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 212.6%.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, virtually all imports in kind of potatoes to New Zealand were associated with China, whose share reached 96.8% of total 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

In 2020, potato imports to New Zealand amounted to 8 thousand US dollars, recording only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, imports increased by 2 177.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 183.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China was by far the main destination for imports in value terms of potatoes to New Zealand, accounting for 95.8% of total flows.

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

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