'We've had an excellent start, not just in volumes but also in setting prices,' said Zespri ceo Tony Marks who was in Europe last week meeting customers. 'Sales in the last week have been outstanding SA strong start and an early start set the pace for the season and there's a real adrenalin rush now as the promotional programmes are unleashed to propel sales. The aim now must be to keep the pipeline filled to meet demand.' Zespri reported exceptional levels of interest in the first shipments of fruit to Europe which have heralded the strongest opening ever for the exporter in a key high volume market for New Zealand. Sales of Zespri green kiwifruit were close to 2million trays in the week beginning May 13 and prices were strong.

Guus Van der Kleij, Zespri's general manager in Europe, is confident the momentum achieved in the first week of selling can be maintained. 'Volumes shipped early are above last year's which have allowed us to enter the market with competitive prices and keep to the promotions schedule we have worked out in advance with retail customers,' he said.

The early start has seen global performance indicators for revenue, volumes and prices shoot ahead of this time last year which experienced a difficult opening as demand outstripped available supply for some key ranges due mainly to harvest conditions.

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