Don Nicolson of ACT New Zealand Primary Industry has called for greater competition in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry in order to keep costs down and avoid 'bloated and lazy' practices.
Last week, departing Satara chief Tom Wilson hit out at Zespri International's brokerage fees, saying that they raised questions about legislation that allows Zespri’s 'export monopoly' to exist, and Nicolson has also questioned the existing system.
'The formation of Zespri was staunchly promoted as being right for the long haul but just like other industries that have tried the same path, discontent was inevitable. Why? Because monopolies become bloated and lazy, with little incentive to keep costs down – Mr Wilson’s comments are a stark reminder of that,' Nicolson told voxy.co.nz.
'To eliminate the bloated costs Mr Wilson alludes to there needs to be more competition in kiwifruit marketing. Overseas customers have choice in their purchase of kiwifruit and ACT believes New Zealand growers should be free to supply their goods to the exporter of their choice, not have it dictated by Government regulation.
'The deregulation of the apple industry 10 years ago has benefited growers with even the most diehard supporters of the single export desk at the time now supportive of the deregulation process. They do not pinefor a return to the single channel marketing structure. ACT believes kiwifruit growers should have the same choice,' he added.
