In June of this year kiwifruit exports rose $105 million (47 per cent) from June 2015 to reach $331m, according to new figures from Statistics New Zealand.

Overall, goods exports rose $109m (2.6 per cent) in June 2016 to $4.3 billion.

The June 2016, rise was across all New Zealand's top kiwifruit export destinations, but particularly Japan which was up $55m, and China which rose by $39m. The quantities of kiwifruit exported also rose (up 32 per cent), with gold kiwifruit up 49 per cent, and green kiwifruit up 21 per cent.

International statistics senior manager Jason Attewell says export values of kiwifruit for the months of May and June 2016, are the two highest on record.

'Annual kiwifruit exports for the June 2016, year also set a new record of $1.7b – up 41 per cent from the previous June year.”

Annual exports of all fruit were up $617m (31 per cent) for the June 2016, year. Apples also contributed to the rise, up $130m million (23 per cent).

The rise in fruit exports eclipsed other rises in export commodities for the June 2016 year, including forestry products (up $250 million), and meat products (up $237 million).

The rise in fruit also helped to offset a fall in annual exports of milk powder, butter, and cheese which were down $875m.

Within these dairy exports there were contrasting movements; milk powder was down $1.1b (16 per cent), with little change in the quantity exported. In contrast, the values and quantities of butter, cheese, and fresh milk and cream exported were all up in the year ended June 2016.

For more information visit Statistics New Zealand's website at: www.stats.govt.nz