When you slice into a vibrant green or golden kiwifruit — with its juicy flesh, tiny black seeds, and distinctive tangy sweetness — have you ever wondered where it actually comes from? Despite being available in supermarkets across the globe, kiwifruit isn’t grown everywhere. In fact, just a handful of countries dominate global production and exports.
In this article, we’ll explore where the world gets most of its kiwis, the major producing nations, how the international kiwi trade works, and which countries supply the kiwifruit you enjoy at your breakfast table or in your favorite desserts.
A Quick Introduction to Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit, commonly referred to as kiwi, originated in China, where it was once known as the Chinese gooseberry. It was introduced to New Zealand in the early 20th century, where farmers improved its cultivation and commercialized the fruit. New Zealanders renamed it “kiwifruit” in honor of their national bird, the kiwi.
Today, kiwifruit is prized worldwide not only for its flavor but also for its impressive nutritional profile — rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals. This growing popularity has transformed it into a major horticultural export commodity.
Where Does the World Get Most of Its Kiwis?
According to 2023 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and trade industry sources, most of the world’s kiwifruit comes from five key countries. Let’s look at each one and how they contribute to the global kiwi supply chain.
China — The World’s Largest Kiwi Producer
China is the original home of kiwifruit and remains the largest producer in the world. In 2023, China produced over 2.3 million metric tons of kiwifruit, accounting for nearly 54% of global production.
Main Producing Regions:
- Shaanxi
- Sichuan
- Hunan
- Guizhou
China grows several varieties, including:
- Hayward (green-fleshed)
- Hongyang (red-centered)
- Jintao (golden-fleshed)
While China’s kiwi production is immense, most of it is consumed domestically due to the fruit’s high popularity within the country. However, China’s kiwifruit exports are steadily increasing, particularly to neighboring Asian countries.
Fun Fact:
The wild kiwifruit still grows naturally in the forests and river valleys of China’s mountainous regions.
New Zealand — The Icon of Global Kiwi Exports
Though New Zealand ranks second in production volume (around 600,000 metric tons annually), it remains the most famous and influential player in the international kiwifruit market.
New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, especially through the globally recognized Zespri™ brand, dominates the premium export market. The country’s Bay of Plenty region, particularly the town of Te Puke, is often referred to as the Kiwifruit Capital of the World.
Major Export Markets:
- Europe (UK, Germany, France)
- Japan
- China
- South Korea
- United States
New Zealand specializes in:
- Hayward (classic green)
- SunGold™ (smooth, golden-fleshed)
Zespri™ controls over 30% of global kiwifruit trade, making New Zealand a crucial source of kiwis on supermarket shelves worldwide.
Italy — Europe’s Kiwi Champion
Italy ranks as Europe’s largest kiwifruit producer and the third-largest globally, with an annual production of over 400,000 metric tons.
The Italian kiwifruit industry began in the 1970s and has since expanded rapidly, especially in the fertile valleys and plains of central and northern Italy.
Major Producing Areas:
- Latina (Lazio)
- Piedmont
- Veneto
- Emilia-Romagna
Italian kiwifruit is known for:
- Large size
- Bright green flesh
- High vitamin C content
Italy exports large quantities of kiwis throughout Europe and to North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. In fact, it supplies much of the European market during New Zealand’s off-season, ensuring a year-round availability of fresh kiwis in Europe.
Greece — The Fast-Growing Kiwi Contender
Greece has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s top kiwifruit producers, climbing to fourth place globally with production exceeding 310,000 metric tons annually.
In recent years, Greece has capitalized on its favorable Mediterranean climate and fertile soils, with many farmers switching from traditional crops to kiwifruit due to its profitability and growing export demand.
Key Growing Regions:
- Central Macedonia
- Imathia
- Kavala
- Arta
Greek kiwis are primarily exported to:
- Germany
- Italy
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- Middle Eastern countries
Interesting Insight:
Greece is now Europe’s second-largest exporter of kiwifruit after Italy and has earned a reputation for high-quality, competitively priced produce.
Iran — Middle East’s Kiwi Leader
Iran might be a surprising entry for many, but it consistently ranks among the world’s top five kiwifruit producers, with annual yields of around 295,000 metric tons.
Iran began cultivating kiwifruit in the 1980s, and its Caspian Sea coastal regions offer an ideal climate for kiwi orchards.
Main Producing Provinces:
- Mazandaran
- Gilan
- Golestan
Most of Iran’s kiwifruit is consumed locally, though exports to Russia, Iraq, India, and Central Asia have grown in recent years.
Did You Know?
Mazandaran Province alone accounts for over 75% of Iran’s total kiwifruit output.
How Does Global Kiwi Trade Work?
The global kiwifruit market is driven by seasonality, climate zones, and international trade networks. Typically:
- New Zealand’s harvest runs from March to May
- Italy, Greece, Iran, and China harvest from September to November
This staggered harvest schedule allows for year-round supply of fresh kiwis to global markets.
Major Export Hubs:
- New Zealand (Zespri™ brand) — Dominates premium markets worldwide
- Italy & Greece — Serve European, Middle Eastern, and African markets
- Iran & Chile — Fill market gaps, particularly in off-season months
Rising Global Demand for Kiwifruit
Demand for kiwifruit continues to grow due to:
- Health trends promoting vitamin C-rich fruits
- Rising interest in superfoods and antioxidant-rich produce
- Growth in plant-based and functional foods industries
- Expanded cultivation in new territories (Portugal, Spain, Turkey)
Global kiwifruit trade was valued at over $3.5 billion in 2023, with key markets in Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
Conclusion
So, where does the world get most of its kiwis?
Primarily from China, which grows over half the global supply, followed by New Zealand, Italy, Greece, and Iran. While China leads in production volume, New Zealand reigns supreme in export dominance and premium branding, thanks to its globally acclaimed Zespri™ kiwifruit.
The combined contributions of these nations ensure that fresh, high-quality kiwifruit is available worldwide throughout the year — whether you’re enjoying it fresh, in a smoothie, on a dessert, or as part of a healthy breakfast bowl.
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