Expansion of group’s global kiwifruit volumes supports Zespri’s efforts to deliver 12-month supply to customers
Zespri has announced that it is expanding its SunGold kiwifruit production in the Northern Hemisphere.
The expansion of the kiwifruit giant’s global supply operations into Greece, and the rollout of new Zespri SunGold hectares into Italy, France, Japan and Korea to deliver 12 month supply, have been key areas of focus at this year’s Fruit Logistica in Berlin.
Zespri’s noted that the expansion of its global supply supported its effort to deliver 12-month supply to key customers in international markets.
Its New Zealand growers overwhelmingly supported the expansion in a producer vote last year, with a total of 90.6 per cent of voting growers and 93.3 per cent by fruit weight voting in favour of expanding its counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme by up to 420 additional hectares of SunGold per year over six years across Italy, France, Japan, South Korea and Greece.
Following the successful vote, and with demand for SunGold exceeding supply, the Zespri board approved the allocation of 420ha of SunGold kiwifruit plantings this year.
The allocation of the additional SunGold hectares will begin early this year and will be planted in existing production locations of Italy, France, Japan, and South Korea.
Nick Kirton, Zespri’s executive officer – Northern Hemisphere supply, said the group would also begin commercial production of SunGold out of Greece.
“We have been procuring Green Kiwifruit from Greece for a long time, and trialling SunGold orchards with impressive results due to rich soil and a good climate,” he explained.
”Expansion into Greece will support our efforts to fulfil12-month supply, working with the best growers in the best locations.
“We’re looking forward to connecting with partners and customers at the Zespri booth at Fruit Logistica ahead of an exciting 2025 with the rollout of new hectares and additional ZGS supply,” Kirton continued.
“The successful vote has been well received by our partners as it showed the strong support from Zespri’s New Zealand growers for the role ZGS plays in delivering Zespri Kiwifruit to consumers wanting our high-quality fruit and helping us to grow the category.
“Demand for kiwifruit is strong throughout the year with more consumers recognising the health benefits of Zespri kiwifruit,” he noted.
”As demand continues to grow and competition continues to intensify, these additional hectares are welcome news to not only our growers and partners, but also our customers who want Zespri-quality fruit all year round.
“Fruit Logistica is always a marquee event and we’re looking forward to meeting with visitors to our booth and showcasing our Zespri Kiwifruit and plans for 2025 – which is shaping up to be another successful season with even more fruit available than last year’s record crop of more than 190mn trays and an ongoing focus on fruit quality,” Kirton added.
