New Zealand blueberries has secured market access to South Korea, with major export opportunities. New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay, announced the news on 1 October, estimating annual export potential of NZ$5 million ($3.15 million).
“This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of NZ$190m in non-tariff barriers in the past year. We are steadfast in our efforts to reduce barriers, open new markets and return greater value to exporters’ back pockets,” McClay said.
Increased market access is part of the government’s strategy to boost the trade value of New Zealand’s high-quality produce, supporting its goal of doubling exports within the next decade.
Blueberries New Zealand Chairperson, Kelvin Bezuidenhout, said the breakthrough was the result of years of effort and would help diversify export markets. “The New Zealand blueberry industry has been supporting our Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in its request for market access to South Korea’s APQA over the last number of years. This work culminated in an industry audit by APQA in January this year.”
“Following the audit, an official assurance programme was developed with MPI and has just been signed off by South Korean officials. This now paves the way for exports to begin,” he said. “This paves the way for exports to begin,”
Bezuidenhout emphasized the importance of reducing the industry’s reliance on Australia, which currently receives over 80% of New Zealand’s blueberry exports. “Opening new markets helps diversify exports and reduce reliance on the domestic market,” he added.
Officials from MPI will now implement compliance measures to facilitate shipments to Korea. Bezuidenhout expects the first shipments to commence during New Zealand’s production season, which starts in December. ”We have had a warm winter and fruit quality is looking excellent and slightly early. We can’t wait for Koreans to get a taste of our fruit,” he noted.
Korea is already a key market for New Zealand’s fruit exports, particularly kiwifruit, and there is optimism that the country’s reputation for quality will help blueberries gain a foothold. Bezuidenhout acknowledged competition from the US and Chile but expressed confidence in the opportunities for growth. “We are happy with good quality competition and see great opportunities to grow the category in Korea.”
He added that Korean consumers value fruit for health, which has increased local blueberry production. New Zealand aims to support this growth during Korea’s offseason.
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