The latest Fresh Facts, the annual Plant and Food publication outlining New Zealand's horticultural facts and figures, shows New Zealand's horticulture industry now accounts for $1 in every $13 of exports, with an annual value of close to $3.5 billion.
Horticultural exports in the year to June 30, 2011 totalled $3.46 billion, an increase of 3 per cent on the previous year.
Produce from New Zealand's horticultural industries is now calculated to be worth a total $6.4 billion annually.
Plant and Food Research CEO Peter Landon-Lane said New Zealand is known throughout the world as a supplier of premium horticultural products.
"Our wine sector has had huge success in growing the popularity of sauvignon blanc, due to its unique flavours. Similarly, our fruit sector is known for introducing novel products with great taste profiles," he said.