Tomato market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The New Zealand tomato market saw significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. In 2018, market volume reached 54 085 t, supported by the introduction of new tomato varieties that increased yields and consumer receptiveness to specialty lines like vine-ripened and cherry tomatoes. However, by 2020, volume dropped sharply to 40 610 t, before recovering to 54 014 t in 2021. By 2023, market volume stabilized at 51 842 t, while value rose to $165.5 million, partly due to supply constraints from sea freight disruptions and increased energy costs for greenhouse growers.

Regulatory changes shaped the industry throughout the period. The Commodity Levies (Fresh Tomatoes) Order 2019 imposed a levy to fund research and biosecurity, followed by the National Policy Statement for Freshwater 2020 requiring Farm Environment Plans. In 2022, new Country of Origin labelling regulations mandated disclosure for fresh tomatoes, enhancing consumer information. More recently, the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023 introduced obligations for major retailers, affecting supply terms.

Ongoing challenges included biosecurity measures, such as the temporary ban on Australian imports due to ToBRFV in 2025, and persistent labour shortages. Consumer preferences continued to shift towards specialty varieties, while energy costs remained a key concern for greenhouse production. These factors influenced market dynamics and pricing in the latter part of the period.

Production tomato in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of tomato, 2018-2021

World map of production of tomato, 2018-2021

In 2021, New Zealand produced 54 975 tonnes of tomatoes, marking a 26.2% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 2.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 43 576 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 57 026 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a 23.6% decrease.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the value of tomato production in New Zealand reached 136.6 million US dollars, up by 42.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018 to 2021 period, production value increased by 7.7%, averaging a 2.5% annual growth rate. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 96.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 28.8%.

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

Exports tomato from New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

Tomato exports from New Zealand declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 1 310 tonnes, a 56.9% decrease from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 54.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 23.1%. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 3 316 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase that year at 15.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan, Australia, and New Caledonia were the key export partners for New Zealand's tomatoes in terms of volume. Japan accounted for 43.9% of exports, Australia for 20.7%, and New Caledonia for 11.2%, together representing 75.8% 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

Tomato exports from New Zealand declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports were valued at 3 255 thousand US dollars, down by 51.5% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value decreased by 49.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -20.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 856 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase that year at 21.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Japan, Australia, and New Caledonia were the main destinations for New Zealand's tomato exports in value terms. Japan made up 43.3% of exports, Australia 16.3%, and New Caledonia 10.7%, collectively accounting for 70.3% 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 tomato to New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 72 tonnes and peaked in 2018, with a 7.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, New Zealand's tomato import volume was 349 tonnes, a 382.5% increase from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 64.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Australia dominated New Zealand's tomato imports in volume, consistently accounting for 98.5% 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

The market exhibited notable volatility during this period. Imports hit their lowest value in 2020 at 297 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2021, with a 4.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, tomato import volumes in New Zealand amounted to 1 420 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 377.6% from 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 61.5%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, imports of tomatoes to New Zealand in value terms were almost entirely linked to Australia, which accounted for 98.7% 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