Which Country is the Largest Producer of Kiwi in the World?

Top Kiwi Producer: China grows more kiwis than any other nation in the world. Kiwi production is booming in Chinese provinces like Shaanxi and Sichuan, where rich soils and ideal climates support high yields. Learn more about how kiwi, once a local Chinese fruit, is now a global superfruit enjoyed on every continent.

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Which Country is the Most Significant Producer of Kiwi in the World?

China is the largest producer of kiwi fruit in the world. The country produces an estimated 2.4 million metric tonnes annually. Kiwi farming is especially concentrated in Shaanxi Province, which alone accounts for nearly one-third of China’s output. Chinese kiwi varieties such as Hayward, Xuxiang, and Hongyang are increasingly exported across Asia, Europe, and the Americas due to their taste, colour, and health benefits.

How Many Kiwis Does China Produce?

China produces over 2.4 million metric tonnes of kiwi every year, making it the clear leader in global kiwi production. This accounts for more than 50% of total global kiwi output. The climate in central China allows for high-volume kiwi farming, with both green and red-fleshed varieties growing in demand domestically and globally.

Top 5 Kiwi Producing Countries in the World

Note: Data sourced from World Population Review  Kiwi Production 2024.

1. China

China is the world’s top kiwi producer, with over 2.4 million tonnes grown annually. Most production occurs in Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Henan provinces. China’s kiwi varieties, including Hongyang (red kiwi) and Xuxiang, are increasingly sought after for their high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. Chinese kiwi farming has become more technologically advanced and export-focused in recent years.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand ranks second in global kiwi production, growing about 603,500 tonnes per year. It’s best known for the global brand Zespri, which markets both green and gold kiwi varieties worldwide. The Bay of Plenty region is the core of kiwi cultivation, producing highly valued SunGold kiwis, appreciated for their sweet taste and long shelf life.

3. Italy

Italy is the largest kiwi-producing country in Europe, with annual production of 523,100 tonnes. Kiwi farming is prevalent in regions such as Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. Italy’s main export variety is Hayward, which is known for its firmness and tangy flavor. Italian kiwis are exported widely across Europe and Asia.

4. Greece

Greece produces around 320,300 tonnes of kiwi fruit annually. The country has become a key European kiwi exporter, especially to markets like Germany and France. Greek kiwi production thrives in Central Macedonia and Thessaly, where the Mediterranean climate helps produce juicy, sweet kiwis with consistent size and texture.

5. Iran

Iran rounds out the top five with approximately 294,600 tonnes of kiwi produced each year. Kiwi is primarily cultivated in the northern provinces, particularly around Mazandaran, near the Caspian Sea. Iranian kiwi farmers focus mainly on the Hayward variety, with production steadily increasing due to rising domestic demand and regional exports.

Which Other Countries Produce Kiwi?

After the top five, countries like France, Chile, Turkey, Portugal, and Japan also have robust kiwi industries. These countries have suitable climates and continue to invest in expanding their kiwi production for both local and global markets.

Amazing Facts about Kiwi

• Native to China: Kiwi originated as the Chinese gooseberry before gaining popularity worldwide.
• Supercharged with Vitamin C: One kiwi contains more Vitamin C than an orange.
• Over 50 Varieties: From green Hayward to golden and even red kiwis, the variety is wide and growing.
• Climbing Vine: Kiwi grows on a vigorous vine and requires both male and female plants to bear fruit.
• Popular in Skincare: Kiwi is also used in cosmetics due to its high antioxidant content and skin-boosting enzymes.

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