Introduction – Current State of Play: The Kiwi Sector in Sri Lanka
The kiwi fruit market in Sri Lanka is heating up—and fast. As of mid-2025, a mix of rising global demand, new international partnerships, and domestic supply chain challenges are reshaping the landscape. Businesses importing or exporting kiwi need to stay sharp, because what worked last year may not work today.
With the global kiwi market on an upward trend and countries like New Zealand stepping in to support Sri Lanka’s agricultural development, the pressure—and opportunity—is on for local suppliers and B2B buyers alike. Add in evolving consumer preferences for organic produce and the ever-present risks tied to weather and logistics, and it’s clear: navigating the Sri Lankan kiwi market today is like trying to surf a wave that’s constantly shifting.
If you’re sourcing kiwi from Sri Lanka or planning to, this urgent update is your go-to guide.
Deep Dive – Market Movers: Recent Developments and Consequences
Let’s break down what’s really going on behind the scenes in Sri Lanka’s kiwi industry.
1. Global Growth Pushes Kiwi Into the Spotlight
Worldwide, the kiwi fruit market is booming. It’s projected to grow from $1.9 billion in 2024 to $2.04 billion in 2025. That’s a healthy 7.7% CAGR. What’s fueling this growth? A global obsession with health, wellness, and nutrient-rich foods. Kiwi, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, fits right in.
2. Health-Conscious Consumers Want Organic
Back home in Sri Lanka, the organic movement is picking up speed. More and more consumers want their fruit chemical-free and environmentally friendly. This surge in demand for organic kiwi is pushing farmers to pivot toward sustainable and organic farming methods—though the shift isn’t without its challenges.
3. New Zealand Steps In: A Game-Changer
In March 2025, New Zealand expressed real interest in helping Sri Lanka boost its kiwi export potential. The initiative focuses on optimizing underutilized land, improving food safety standards, and upgrading phytosanitary measures. For Sri Lankan suppliers, this opens the door to international best practices, making local kiwi more competitive on the global stage.
4. Supply Chain Still a Snag
Despite all the good news, Sri Lanka’s supply chain issues continue to throw a wrench in the works. The country loses about 270,000 metric tons of fruits and vegetables every year due to inefficiencies, costing around Rs. 20 billion. That’s a lot of missed opportunity.
The good news? Supermarkets are stepping up with modern collection centers and advanced distribution networks. It’s a step in the right direction—but for kiwi exporters and importers, the need for traceability and integrated systems remains urgent.
5. Import and Export Snapshot
Even with production hurdles, kiwi imports to Sri Lanka remain strong—primarily from China. While exact figures vary, 2024 saw an increase in import value, even though volume slightly dipped. On the flip side, Sri Lanka managed to export 441 kg of kiwi in 2023, a 90% jump from 2022. The value? Just $607. Clearly, there’s room for growth.
Top 6 Verified Kiwi Suppliers in Sri Lanka – Navigating Current Market Realities
If you’re looking to do business in this evolving market, you need reliable, agile suppliers. Based on verified data and insights from Freshdi—a B2B platform that tracks RFQ trends, supplier performance, and buyer feedback—here are six top kiwi suppliers to consider in 2025.
1. Ceylon Taste Mart
- Why They Stand Out: Known for their innovative product offerings like kiwi-infused teas, Ceylon Taste Mart has carved out a niche in the value-added kiwi products category.
- Certifications: HACCP, ISO 22000
- Markets Served: Sri Lanka, Maldives, GCC
- Freshdi Insights: High buyer ratings for packaging and taste consistency.
Note: Freshdi’s dynamic supplier rankings, such as “Supplier of the Month” or “Quarterly Star Exporters,” may reflect recent performance shifts—check the platform for up-to-date supplier ratings.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to Today’s Kiwi Landscape in Sri Lanka
So, what should businesses be doing in response to all this movement?
Rethink Your Sourcing Model
With New Zealand’s involvement and the demand for organic kiwi rising, now is the time to talk to your suppliers about sustainable sourcing. Ask about farming practices, certifications, and traceability tools. Freshdi can help you vet suppliers who meet these criteria.
Mitigate Supply Chain Risks
Given the severe losses in the agriculture sector due to inefficiencies, consider working only with suppliers that have integrated logistics or partnerships with modern distribution networks. Look for those already collaborating with supermarket chains or utilizing collection centers.
Capitalize on Niche Kiwi Products
Value-added products—like kiwi teas, dried kiwi snacks, or organically certified kiwi—are trending. These are ideal for businesses looking to differentiate themselves. Ceylon Taste Mart is a great example of a supplier riding this wave.
Watch Import-Export Trends Closely
With imports from China still strong, there’s little room for pricing errors. Use Freshdi’s market insight dashboards to track RFQ values and pricing shifts in real time. Exporters, meanwhile, should focus on improving product quality and certifications to boost volume and value.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Fast-Moving Market
The kiwi market in Sri Lanka is in a state of transformation. Global demand is up. Organic and value-added products are in. New Zealand is offering agricultural support. And the supply chain, while still flawed, is slowly improving thanks to retail investment.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Stay informed. Conditions are changing fast—Freshdi offers real-time updates tied to major news and RFQ shifts.
- Choose your partners wisely. Verified suppliers with a proven track record are key. Use platforms like Freshdi to evaluate their performance.
- Adapt your sourcing strategy. Go beyond bulk buying—explore organic, niche, and processed kiwi offerings.
Quick Checklist for Kiwi Buyers in Sri Lanka (2025)
✅ Are your suppliers certified for food safety and organic practices?
✅ Have you confirmed their logistics capabilities and traceability systems?
✅ Are you monitoring pricing and RFQ trends via Freshdi?
✅ Are you considering value-added kiwi products in your lineup?
✅ Have you evaluated geopolitical or trade agreements that impact your sourcing?
Future Outlook
Expect the Sri Lankan kiwi sector to become more competitive and specialized. With international collaboration growing and consumer tastes evolving, the next few years will favor agile buyers and forward-thinking suppliers. Freshdi is likely to expand its supplier verification, RFQ analytics, and market insight tools—making it an indispensable partner for anyone in this space.
FAQs
1. Why is kiwi becoming so popular in Sri Lanka?
Because it’s nutritious, tasty, and aligns perfectly with the rising demand for healthy, organic foods. Plus, global supply chains are making it easier to access even exotic fruits.
2. What makes Freshdi different from other B2B platforms?
Freshdi not only connects buyers and sellers but also offers verified supplier data, real-time RFQ trends, and news-driven market insights that help businesses make smarter decisions.
3. How do I know if a kiwi supplier is reliable?
Look for certifications (like HACCP, ISO, Organic), international market presence, and performance feedback—especially from platforms like Freshdi.
4. Is Sri Lanka a major exporter of kiwi fruit?
Not yet. Exports are growing but still small. However, with help from countries like New Zealand and improvements in farming, this could change in the coming years.
5. What kiwi products are trending in 2025?
Organic fresh kiwi, dried kiwi snacks, and infused beverages like kiwi tea are hot right now. Value-added products are the way forward for differentiation and higher margins.
References
- Kiwi Fruit Market Insights – TBRC
- New Zealand–Sri Lanka Agricultural Cooperation – Supply Chain Report
- Sri Lankan Fruit Supply Chain Challenges – LinkedIn
- Sri Lanka Kiwi Fruit Market Analysis – IndexBox
- Kiwi Fruit Export Value – IndexBox
- Ceylon Taste Mart – Freshdi
