Spinach market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the volume of the fresh spinach market in New Zealand gradually contracted from 1 881 tonnes to 1 821 tonnes. Market value showed more pronounced swings, falling to USD 10.2 million in 2020 before recovering to USD 13.1 million by 2023. Domestic production remained steady near 1 800 tonnes annually, while imports fell sharply from 56 tonnes to 20 tonnes over these years.

Shifting consumer preferences in 2024 supported demand, with trends like 'fakeaway' home cooking and greater acceptance of cosmetically imperfect produce. The following year introduced significant regulatory changes, including new Commodity Levies for growers and the Grocery Supply Code 2025 governing retailer-supplier agreements. An updated Import Health Standard for fresh produce took effect, and regional flooding in Nelson/Tasman disrupted supply chains. These developments coincided with a continued decline in imports, which fell to 2 tonnes in 2025, while exports rose to 33 tonnes.

Production spinach in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of spinach, 2018-2021

World map of production of spinach, 2018-2021

New Zealand's spinach production declined after two years of growth. In 2021, the country produced 1 808 tonnes of spinach, which was 1.9% lower than the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 1 843 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 0.4%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

New Zealand's spinach production value increased following a two-year decline. In 2021, spinach output was valued at 11 154 thousand US dollars, representing a 9.9% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 10 145 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 15.1%.

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

Exports spinach from New Zealand

Exports in kind, kg

New Zealand's spinach exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 2 286 kilograms of spinach, representing a 39.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 65.6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 29.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, French Polynesia, and Fiji were the main destinations for New Zealand's spinach exports by volume. Hong Kong accounted for 44.6% of exports, French Polynesia for 14.6%, and Fiji for 12.0%. Together, these three markets represented 71.3% 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

New Zealand's spinach export value declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports were valued at 14.1 thousand US dollars, showing a 32.2% reduction compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value decreased by 69.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 33.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, French Polynesia, and the Cook Islands were the primary markets for New Zealand's spinach exports by value. Hong Kong accounted for 43.9% of export value, French Polynesia for 20.6%, and the Cook Islands for 13.5%. Collectively, these three destinations represented 78.1% 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 spinach to New Zealand

Imports in kind, kg

New Zealand's spinach imports showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 17 800 kilograms, which represented a 68.3% decline from the previous year. Imports peaked in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference between the peak and trough years. In 2021, imports reached 40 787 kilograms, marking a 71.4% increase compared to 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, Australia and Tonga dominated New Zealand's spinach imports by volume, together accounting for 85.1% of total imports. Other countries contributed smaller, more diversified shares to the import market.

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

New Zealand's spinach import value showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 90.2%, followed by the largest increase in 2020 at 325.9%. The difference between the peak and trough values from 2018 to 2021 was 22-fold. In 2021, imports amounted to 12.3 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp drop of 89.1% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Australia dominated New Zealand's spinach imports by value, accounting for 84.7% of total imports. The remaining import flows were distributed among multiple smaller trading partners.

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

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