Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

New Zealand Apples & Pears Inc. (NZAPI) is the peak industry body representing New Zealand’s apple and pear sector. Headquartered in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, NZAPI provides leadership, advocacy, and strategic guidance to ensure the continued growth and global competitiveness of one of the country’s most valuable horticultural industries. The organization works on behalf of over 90% of apple and pear growers, packers, and marketers across New Zealand.

Core Business and Offerings

NZAPI is responsible for:

• Industry Representation and Advocacy:

  • Liaising with government, trade authorities, and international regulators to support market access and compliance.
  • Advocating for favorable trade policies and phytosanitary agreements.

• Sector Coordination and Promotion:

  • Coordinating promotional campaigns for New Zealand apples and pears in global markets.
  • Managing collective branding, origin labeling, and sustainability initiatives.

• Research and Innovation Support:

  • Partnering with Plant & Food Research and other R&D bodies to support breeding programs and crop protection advancements.

• Data Management and Market Intelligence:

  • Collecting and disseminating industry-wide statistics on production, exports, orchard performance, and labor requirements.

• Training and Workforce Development:

  • Supporting training initiatives, seasonal labor programs, and orchard workforce planning.

Specialization and Unique Strengths

NZAPI plays a vital role in unifying a fragmented grower base and promoting a national-level strategy for global competitiveness. Key strengths include:

• Single Voice Advocacy: Consolidates industry perspectives to influence domestic and international policies.
• Trusted Market Authority: Recognized globally for its certification standards and export data accuracy.
• Innovation Leadership: Facilitates new cultivar development including premium brands such as Rockit™, Dazzle™, and Smitten®.
• Sustainability Commitment: Coordinates industry-wide initiatives for zero-carbon, regenerative, and integrated pest management practices.

Industry Performance and Export Data

New Zealand is globally recognized for producing high-quality apples and pears, with NZAPI at the forefront of market strategy and trade facilitation:

• Annual Production: Over 600,000 metric tonnes of apples and pears (2023)
• Export Volume: 350,000+ tonnes exported annually to over 80 markets
• Top Export Markets: China, Vietnam, India, UK, Taiwan, Thailand, USA
• Export Value: NZD $875 million in 2023 (source: NZ Horticulture Export Authority)

NZAPI’s export support programs have played a crucial role in achieving consistent access to high-value Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

Target Market

As an industry body, NZAPI targets:

• Growers and Orchard Owners
• Post-Harvest Operators and Packers
• Export Marketers and Shipping Agents
• Government Trade and Biosecurity Authorities
• Global Retailers and Importers

It also engages with consumers indirectly through promotional partnerships and origin marketing.

Capabilities

• Market Access Negotiation: Expertise in trade policy, phytosanitary protocols, and export certifications.
• Sector Intelligence: Real-time orchard and export tracking systems for forecasting and supply chain planning.
• Orchard Innovation: Supports roll-out of high-density plantings, robotic harvesting, and smart irrigation systems.
• Brand Building: Collaborative marketing platforms that enhance “New Zealand Apples & Pears” global brand reputation.

Certifications and Compliance

NZAPI facilitates and aligns with national and international quality assurance systems, including:

• GLOBALG.A.P.
• NZGAP (New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice)
• Plant & Food Research Partnerships
• Biosecurity New Zealand compliance
• Sustainable Farming Certifications (industry targets include carbon neutrality by 2050)

Customer Testimonials

While individual testimonials are typically channeled through exporters and marketers, the organization’s wide-reaching membership and recognition in trade negotiations reflect its credibility and sector leadership.

Recognitions and Achievements

• Instrumental in securing access to new markets including India, China, and Vietnam.
• Established RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) Program to secure skilled seasonal labor from the Pacific Islands.
• Facilitator of world-renowned apple varieties including premium club varieties with global retail presence.
• Key contributor to NZ horticulture’s $6.9 billion export sector (2023 data).