Following a very positive growing period, marketer Zespri looks ahead to another record-breaking crop
New Zealand’s earliest-ever kiwifruit harvest has begun, with the first RubyRed fruit picked just outside Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty.
According to grower organisation New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI), the berry-tinged variety will be supplied to supermarkets in New Zealand itself, as well as some overseas markets.
The first volumes of harvested Zespri SunGold and Zespri Green are set to be picked shortly.
Growers have apparently been encouraged by “ideal” growing conditions, with industry forecasts pointing to a record crop of just over 200mn trays this season.
That would represent a modest increase on last year’s record-breaking campaign, when the country sold more than 190mn trays from mid-April to June.
NZKGI chief executive Colin Bond said he shared growers’ enthusiasm about the season ahead.
“While my thoughts are with those Tasman and Whakatane growers who received significant hail damage at the end of last December, overall, growers have experienced a great lead up to harvest with ideal sun and little wind to produce excellent kiwifruit,” he commented.
“Over the last few years, our industry has been working collaboratively to ensure our supply chain is robust, to export increased volumes and deliver our high-quality fruit to consumers around the world.”
Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake welcomed the start of this year’s harvest. “I’m excited about the upcoming season, with another record-breaking crop with moderate increases in SunGold and Green kiwifruit volumes, and Zespri RubyRed kiwifruit doubling in volume.
“Demand for our fruit remains strong and we’re focused on delivering high-quality fruit early and consistently throughout the season to maximise returns for our growers.”
He added: “Our customers and teams in the market have come off a strong 2024 season, are looking for more of our fruit, and are ready to begin sales strongly in the coming months.”
