2025 Organic Market Report
Key Findings
$1.178 billion total sector value in 2024 – up from $723 million in 2020
51% of all organic output is exported
Organic exports grew to $606.7 million, growing faster than total primary sector exports
Top export markets: USA (28.5%), EU (18.4%), Australia (18.2%)
Organic land grew to 89,544 hectares, but conversion rates declined by 78%
Foodservice demand surges: $190 million, led by organic coffee and beverages
Organic fruit & vegetables lead exports ($244.7m), followed by dairy ($214.5m) and wine ($73.8m)
70%+ of producers plan to maintain or grow production despite cost pressures
New Zealand lags in certified land – 0.6% vs global average of 2.1%
The Gene Tech Bill and lack of international equivalency threaten market access
Organic: A High-Value, Low-Impact Opportunity for Aotearoa New Zealand
The 2025 New Zealand Organic Sector Market Report reveals a thriving, resilient, and strategically critical sector. Valued at NZ$1.18 billion, the organic sector has grown by 63% since 2020, outpacing the broader primary sector. Exports now account for over NZ$606 million, while domestic demand continues to strengthen, with NZ$572 million spent on organic food and drink in 2024, driven by both retail and foodservice channels.
Despite policy delays and economic headwinds, the sector continues to deliver trusted, sustainable, high-value products. The report makes clear: organic is not niche—it’s New Zealand’s premium growth opportunity. With the right policy and investment, organics can scale and lead New Zealand’s transition to a regenerative, export-led future.
This year’s report is packed with insights and analysis, including:
🔹 Comprehensive market data across export, retail and foodservice
For the first time, the report includes foodservice data, revealing that Kiwis spent $190 million on organic coffee, beverages, and food away from home. Total domestic consumption reached $572 million, while exports hit $606.7 million.
🔹 Top-performing product sectors
Fruit and vegetables remain the #1 organic export category, surging 71% since 2020. Dairy follows, with strong international demand driving a 39.5% increase. Organic wine holds third place, and processed foods are gaining momentum.
🔹 Market trends and consumer insights
The report explores why more New Zealanders are choosing organic: food safety, environmental responsibility, and trust. It also identifies challenges like price sensitivity, cost of certification, and competition from unverified “green” claims.
🔹 International trade dynamics and policy barriers
New Zealand is falling behind competitors like the EU, USA, and Australia in organic regulation and trade access. With no equivalency agreements in place and the National Organic Standard still incomplete, exporters face costly hurdles to growth.
🔹 Forecasts, risks and opportunities
The report outlines high-growth opportunities in organic wool, beef, and lamb, and calls out the Gene Technology Bill as a major threat to organic integrity and export confidence. It provides clear actions to unlock sector growth and keep NZ competitive.
Download the full 2025 NZ Organic Sector Market Report (PDF) below and join our online launch event on Thursday 5th April here.