Top Kiwi Producing Country You Should Know About

When you think of kiwifruit — that small, fuzzy brown fruit with bright green or golden flesh — you might immediately associate it with New Zealand. After all, it was New Zealand that introduced kiwifruit to the world market and gave it its now-famous name. However, while New Zealand is indeed a major player in the global kiwifruit industry, the title of the largest kiwi-producing country in the world belongs to China.

In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this top-producing country — its history with kiwifruit, current production scale, export markets, and what makes its kiwifruit cultivation unique. Whether you’re a fruit lover, an aspiring horticulturist, or just curious about where your favorite superfruit comes from, this detailed guide will have you covered.

The Origins of Kiwifruit: A Native of China

Though many people associate kiwifruit with New Zealand, the fruit actually originated in China over 700 years ago. Known locally as Yang Tao (meaning “sunny peach”) and Mihou Tao (“monkey peach”), it was initially found growing wild along the banks of rivers in the mountainous regions of central and southern China.

For centuries, kiwifruit was primarily a foraged fruit in China, consumed for its refreshing flavor and health benefits. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the fruit made its way to New Zealand, where it was cultivated commercially and renamed “kiwifruit” after the country’s national bird.

China — The World’s Largest Kiwi Producer

Today, China stands as the largest kiwi-producing country in the world, contributing to more than 53% of global kiwifruit production. In 2023, China’s total kiwifruit output crossed 2.3 million metric tons, outpacing all other kiwi-growing nations combined.

Key Facts:

• Annual Production (2023): 2,300,000+ metric tons
• Global Share: 53–55%
• Major Growing Regions: Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hunan, Guizhou, Chongqing
• Primary Varieties: Hayward (green), Qinmei, Hongyang (red-fleshed), Jintao (golden)

Major Kiwi Growing Regions in China

China’s vast and diverse landscape allows it to cultivate kiwifruit in several provinces. The most productive regions are:

Shaanxi Province

Shaanxi, especially around Meixian and Zhouzhi Counties, is often referred to as the “Kiwifruit Capital of China”. It produces a significant portion of the country’s kiwis, thanks to its ideal altitude, rich soil, and favorable climate.

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Sichuan Province

Located in southwestern China, Sichuan is known for its fertile valleys and moderate climate, making it one of the top regions for high-quality kiwifruit cultivation.

Hunan and Guizhou Provinces

Both provinces have seen rapid growth in kiwi cultivation in recent years, driven by government initiatives and rising domestic demand.

Popular Kiwi Varieties Grown in China

While the internationally known ‘Hayward’ variety (the classic green kiwifruit) is widely grown in China, the country also produces several unique cultivars:

Qinmei

A popular local green variety, known for its high sugar content and aromatic flavor.

Hongyang

China’s famous red-fleshed kiwifruit variety, prized for its vibrant appearance, sweet taste, and high vitamin C content.

Jintao

A golden-fleshed variety similar to New Zealand’s SunGold, offering a smooth, sweet taste and less acidity.

These diverse varieties cater to both domestic preferences and export demands.

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China’s Role in the Global Kiwi Market

Despite being the largest kiwi producer, China consumes the majority of its kiwifruit domestically. The fruit has become a staple in Chinese households due to its health benefits and versatility. In traditional Chinese medicine, kiwifruit is believed to improve digestion, boost immunity, and promote hydration.

Export Markets:

China’s kiwifruit exports, while smaller than countries like New Zealand or Italy, have been growing steadily. Major export destinations include:

• Russia
• Southeast Asian nations (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia)
• Japan
• Middle Eastern countries

China is also actively expanding its export capacity by promoting high-value, specialty kiwifruit varieties like Hongyang to international markets.

Modern Kiwi Farming Practices in China

Over the past decade, China’s kiwifruit industry has modernized considerably. The country has adopted integrated pest management, improved orchard design, and post-harvest technologies to enhance fruit quality and increase yields.

Key Innovations:

• Use of organic and eco-friendly farming practices
• Drip irrigation systems for water conservation
• Cold storage and controlled atmosphere technology to extend shelf life
• Investments in cultivar development and disease-resistant varieties

This modernization has positioned China not just as the largest, but also one of the most dynamic kiwi-producing nations in the world.

How Does China Compare to Other Top Producers?

To understand the scale of China’s dominance, here’s a comparison with other leading kiwi-producing countries:

China clearly leads the pack by a significant margin, producing over three times as much as New Zealand.

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What Makes Chinese Kiwifruit Unique?

Several factors contribute to the distinctiveness of Chinese kiwifruit:

• Diverse Varieties: Apart from standard green-fleshed types, China leads in cultivating specialty kiwis like red and yellow-fleshed varieties.
• Rich Genetic Resources: As the native land of kiwifruit, China holds over 60 native species and varieties, giving it unmatched genetic diversity.
• Ideal Growing Conditions: Fertile soils, favorable temperature variations, and abundant rainfall in mountainous regions create ideal conditions for high-quality fruit production.
• Cultural Integration: Unlike in other countries, kiwifruit has deep roots in Chinese culinary and medicinal traditions, further boosting its domestic demand.

China’s Future in the Global Kiwi Industry

China’s kiwifruit industry continues to grow rapidly, with major investments in:

• Export infrastructure
• Brand development for international markets
• Expansion of specialty kiwifruit production

As global demand for exotic, nutrient-rich fruits increases, China is poised to capture a larger share of the international market, especially in Asia and the Middle East.

Conclusion

When it comes to kiwifruit, there’s one country that stands tall above the rest — China. As both the native home and the world’s largest producer of kiwis, China combines rich tradition with modern agricultural practices to supply millions of tons of this superfruit every year.

While most of the world’s kiwis are grown and consumed within China, the country’s export market is expanding steadily, especially with unique and premium varieties like Hongyang and Jintao. Whether you’re enjoying a classic green kiwi or a vibrant red-fleshed one, there’s a good chance it originated in the lush, fertile valleys of China.

So, the next time you savor a kiwifruit’s juicy sweetness, you’ll know exactly where much of the world gets it from — China, the kiwifruit capital of the world.