Despite the ravages of the vine disease Psa-V, Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers have helped the horticulture industry grow its exports in the last 12 months.

Horticultural products now account for eight per cent of New Zealand's total merchandise exports, up from 7.8 per cent in 2012, according to the latest edition of the industry publication Fresh Facts.

In the year to June 30, 2013, the horticulture industry generated more than $3.6 billion in export revenue, with the major products being wine ($1.2 billion) and kiwifruit ($934 million).

The biggest gains were seen in onion exports, which increased by 47 per cent over 2012 values to a total $90 million, and apple exports, which increased by 40 per cent to $475 million.

Total produce from the horticultural industry was valued at $6.7 billion, including $770 million of domestic spend on New Zealand grown fruit and $1.09 billion on vegetables.

'The success of New Zealand's horticultural exports has been founded on a keen understanding of market needs and a passion for delivering high quality product that commands a healthy premium,” says Plant and Food Research CEO Peter Landon-Lane.

'Pacific Rim countries are an increasing export focus for New Zealand, accounting for more than 71 per cent of exports, compared to 59 per cent in 2000.

'To continue increasing our exports to these countries we need to understand the requirements of these consumers and deliver products that exceed their expectations, as well as meet increasingly stringent requirements for food safety and sustainability.”

Fresh Facts has been produced annually since 1999 by Plant and Food Research and Horticulture New Zealand.