Zespri says court case is 'wasteful'

New Zealand fresh produce marketer Turners & Growers began its court case this week to loosen Zespri’s grip on the NZ kiwifruit industry.

Zepspri has slammed the court hearing as a “wasteful use of growers money” and accused the T&G of trying to break up the kiwifruit industry.

The kiwifruit specialist said in a statement that since T&G launched its litigation a year ago, average grower returns had increased by seven per cent percent. “Instead of concentrating on wasteful and pointless litigation, it would be better for T&G/GPG to work constructively with Zespri to advance in its commercial aspirations,” said a spokeswoman.