Research on the Composition of Kiwifruit Production Costs and Strategies for Enhancing Economic Returns

Abstract

Amid the ongoing structural reform of China’s agricultural supply side and the push for rural revitalization, kiwifruit emerges as a pivotal player in the nation’s high-value fruit industry. Its development is crucial for optimizing agricultural structures and boosting farmers’ incomes. This paper employs cost-benefit analysis, industrial organization theory, and comparative advantage theory to assess the kiwifruit sector. Using panel data from 28 key kiwifruit-producing regions in China spanning 2020 to 2025, it examines production cost structures and imbalances, quantifying each cost element’s impact on economic outcomes. Additionally, by comparing international competitors and assessing current industry conditions, the study identifies sustainable paths to enhance economic returns. Findings reveal that China’s kiwifruit production is characterized by “high labor and material costs, with insufficient investment in cold chain and technology.” Core factors impacting economic benefits include labor, fertilizer, pesticide, and post-harvest processing costs. While increased industrial concentration in major areas yields scale benefits, it also heightens price volatility risks. Furthermore, inadequate technological investment, weak brand value, and poor supply chain integration hinder benefit improvements. Therefore，to support the transformation of the Chinese kiwifruit industry from “scale expansion” to “quality and efficiency” ，targeted suggestions are proposed across three dimensions: optimizing elemental configuration, leveraging technological innovation, and reconstructing the supply chain. These strategies aim to enhance the industry’s core competitiveness by offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance.