New Zealand's horticulture merchandise exports rose by 5.5% in the year to June 2012, according to data compiled by Plant & Food Research and Horticulture New Zealand.

The Fresh Facts 2012 report shows the sector's shipments reached NZ$3.6 billion, with around a third of all horticultural exports sent to Asia.

In a release, Plant & Food Research CEO Peter Landon-Lane said the result had been achieved despite many challenges, including kiwifruit bacterial disease Psa and the tomato-potato psyllid.

"In both cases, coordinated responses across the industry, including growers, government and research, has allowed us to begin to combat these incursions, with the introduction of improved management practices and focusing our breeding programmes on resistant cultivars," he said.

"There is still a long road ahead, but I feel certain that the industry as a whole is rising to meet the challenge and is confident for the future ahead.

"The success of our horticultural industry relies on the skills and dedication of people throughout the value chain."

Fresh fruit exports actually rose above New Zealand's horticulture average at a rate of 7.1%, reaching NZ$1.560 billion (US$1.31 billion), while processed fruit exports grew by 8.3% to NZ$1.351 billion (US$1.136 billion)

Kiwifruit shipments experienced a large jump of 8.6% to NZ$1.046 billion (US$880 million), while avocado exports rose 88.9% to NZ$96.9 million (US$81.6 million). Apple exports declined by 5.9% to NZ$341.6 million (US$287.5 million).

Vegetables however did not fare so well. Fresh vegetable shipments were down 21.1% to NZ$213.3 million.

www.freshfruitportal.com