Zespri, the international marketer of New Zealand kiwifruit, has forecast this year's harvest at 90m trays, down from 105m in 2011.
Simon Limmer, general manager for grower and government relations, told the Bay of Plenty Times that last year was a record crop and, even had the vine disease Psa-V not ravaged 2012 fruit, there would have been a 'normal seasonal drop in volume'.
He pointed out that handling fewer trays would bring cost savings and also that reduced supply could raise the price per tray, although the difficult economic climate in Europe might restrict any increases.
Despite the prevalence of Psa-V in the Te Puke growing area, where it has particularly affected production of gold kiwifruit, Limmer insisted that Zespri would not compromise on the quality of its offer.
'There is no thought of relaxing standards for the attributes we have built around the brand and we will ensure quality is maintained.'
