6.16      Persimmons

6.16.1 Industry profile

Persimmons have been grown in New Zealand since the 1870s. Today, the persimmon growing regions are Gisborne, Auckland, and Northland, with small amounts in Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

In recent years, total production has been around 2,500 tonnes, about half of which is exported. Weather events in 2022 and 2023 have seen the volume packed drop below this level, with a very disappointing export volume of only 720 tonnes in 2023. In 2024, with the export season just finishing, volumes are expected to bounce back, but still show some lingering effects of the poor 2023 growing season. Total exports for the 2024 season are forecast to be just over 1,100 tonnes. This will put total marketable production in 2024 at around 2,300 tonnes.

The export industry consists of 29 growers, seven packhouses and seven licensed exporters.

The main variety of persimmon grown and exported is the non-astringent variety Fuyu. The persimmon season runs from late April to July. Improved knowledge of persimmon storage saw export sales extend into August, as advancements have been made in storage and shelf life. This encouraged greater use of sea freight options which are considerably cheaper, but much slower to market and therefore of higher risk. In 2024, 76% of export persimmons were consigned by sea.

Industry production has been increasing (aside from climatic impacts) as new plantings mature, and is expected to continue trending upwards in the near future. The industry has identified a number of production and post-production areas where efficiencies should be available with improved knowledge. The industry is developing a persimmon productivity research programme which should increase output from existing resources, and encourage new investment. It is hoped that enhanced knowledge would see improvements in some areas within a few years, while other work has a much longer time frame.

Critical for industry expansion and profitability will be maintenance of market access. Industry is keen to negotiate possible simplification of existing requirements as the industry continues to show an excellent record of compliance with specific importing country protocols that are regularly audited. In particular, lengthy cold treatment protocols onshore prevent multi consignment programmes into retail in some markets which constrain growth of those markets. Limited pest control options also provide ongoing difficulties for growers to meet phytosanitary standards on the one hand, and maximum residues levels on the other, across multiple markets with differing protocols.

Persimmons are a prescribed product under the New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority. The Persimmon Industry Council is the representative body and manages the export persimmon industry.

6.16.2 Exports

Exports of persimmons decreased overall by 1.5% in value, and 17% in volume in 2024. The three markets, Australia, Canada and Thailand, contribute 68% to total exports. The value of the Australian market increased 42% to $4.0 million on a 18% increase in volume. Exports to Canada have been steady, valued at approximately $0.35 million per year, but underwent a 3.2-fold increase to $1.11 million in 2024.  

Export value to Asian markets (Thailand, Singapore, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, China, Taiwan) decreased 34%, from a total value of $6.4 million in 2022 to $4.2 million in 2024. The average value increased by 18% from $6,132/tonne in 2022 to $7,236/tonne in 2024, although this is variable between markets.

As noted in previous editions of this report, the volume of fruit sent to individual markets varies from year to year and is dictated by fruit standards (e.g., fruit size) as well as local growing conditions.  

Table 6.16.1: Persimmon (0810.70.00.00) export markets 2022-2024 (year ending June, tonnes, $NZ FOB)

6.16.3 Barriers to export

Cost of tariffs

No tariffs are imposed on persimmons to the major markets. A tariff of 4.4% for Taiwan phased out to zero in 2021, and under CPTPP the tariff into Japan was removed. A 4% tariff remains in place for Indonesia, and 5% and 8% are imposed by New Caledonia and French Polynesia respectively. Tariffs to New Caledonia and French Polynesia remained in place when the New Zealand-EU FTA came into effect as French overseas countries or territories are not part of the EU Customs territory.

The estimated cost of tariffs in 2024 equates to an average $692 for each of the 29 persimmon growers.

Table 6.16.2: Cost of persimmon tariffs (based on 2024 FOB value)

SPS and other market access barriers

Australia. Australia is the largest export market for New Zealand persimmons.  The removal of the OPI programme raised concerns about the risk of exporting to Australia which has the most rigorous inspection regime at the border.  Since 2020, the industry made treatment with ethyl formate (Vapormate) a pre-shipment requirement for all licensed exports to Australia through its Export Marketing Strategy (EMS). This has so far proved to be successful, with a low failure rate at the border.

India. The persimmon industry also sees significant opportunities in India where persimmons are a known fruit. No import requirements have yet been set for New Zealand persimmons to India, so there is no access to this market. The tariff rate is currently 30% which is likely to be a barrier to the development of market opportunities.

South Korea. Persimmons have a high tariff rate of 45% into South Korea, as they were not covered by the Free Trade Agreement of 2015. Exporters are confident that a market exists in South Korea for New Zealand persimmons if the tariff rate is reduced.