The New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers’ president Neil Trebilco has written an open letter to New Zealand prime minister John Key stating their “overwhelming support” for Zespri in the wake of the guilty verdict the kiwifruit marketer received in a Chinese court on charges of underpaying customs duties.
The letter states that kiwifruit growers and the industry as a whole’s future success in a highly competitive global market depend on the continuing presence of Zespri as the single desk importer.
“Despite the historical issues, Zespri’s business in China grew to over $100m in 2012, and growers know the future market potential is huge,” the letter reads. “This market’s potential value will be unlocked by the leverage and scale we achieve though our single inventory approach.”
Trebilco acknowledges the right of growers and the industry to be concerned regarding Zespri’s business dealings in China and highlights his organisation’s ongoing inquiry into those issues.
“Growers expect answers from Zespri’s management and Board that will reassure growers that any management and governance issues that may have led to the current court case have been dealt with,” the letter reads.
Trebilco emphasises the kiwifruit industry’s continued growth in sales in emerging markets such as China, which are his letter states are essential in the collective struggle in overcoming the vine disease Psa.
The letter concludes: “Thank you to the Government for its continued support for our industry, including the recent enactment of the National Psa-V Pest Management Plan (NPMP). The NPMP is another tool that will enable the kiwifruit industry’s continued contribution to New Zealand’s future prosperity.”
