The latest statistics from Kiwifruit New Zealand show the country's kiwifruit exports skyrocketed year-on-year in June, jumping 47% to NZ$331 million (US$231.7 million).

The June 2016 rise was across all our top kiwifruit export destinations, but particularly Japan which was up NZ$55 million (US$38.5 million) and China which rose by NZ$39 million (US$27.3 million).

The statistics agency also reported the quantity of kiwifruit shipped also rose, driven in particulary by a 49% surge for gold kiwifruit and a 21% rise for green varieties.

Overall, kiwifruit volumes were up 32%.

"Export values of kiwifruit for the months of May and June 2016 are the two highest on record,"said international statistics senior manager Jason Attewell.

"Annual kiwifruit exports for the June 2016 year also set a new record – $1.7 billion – up 41 percent from the previous June year."

Annual exports of all fruit were up 31% at NZ$617 million (US$431.8 million) for the June 2016 year, with apples also giving a big contribution, up by NZ$130 million (US$91 million) or a rate of 23%.

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