Te Puke MP and Trade Minister Todd McClay says he is predicting a big year for Te Puke kiwifruit in China.

Todd made the claim after he, the Prime Minister John Key and Zespri chairman Peter McBride were at a special launch in Shanghai, China of the Zespri's 2016 kiwifruit season.

Zespri chairman Peter McBride, with Prime Minister John Key and Te Puke MP and Trade Minister Todd McClay. Photo: Supplied.

Todd took part in the launch during his recent visit to China where he met with several business and trade leaders.

He says the 2016, season is set to be record-breaking, with strong demand for both green and gold kiwifruit.

New Zealand kiwifruit has been sold in China for more than a decade and China is poised to become our number one market by volume this season he says.

'It is great to be able to support local businesses and kiwifruit growers on a global stage,” Todd says.

'China is a key destination for New Zealand goods exports and an important consumer of New Zealand services.”

Zespri has also reconfigured its business model in China to become an importer of record, recognising the maturing of its China operations and aligning with the model used in its long-established Japan and European markets.

Todd says his visit to China provided an opportunity to strengthen New Zealand's relationship and showcase the country's creativity, innovation, and high-tech credentials.”