The growth of consumer demand in China as well as a forecast doubling in Chinese kiwifruit production over the next five years will determine Zespri’s future for the long term, according to Zespri chief executive Lain Jager.
Opening the New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s biennial Momentum Conference in Tauranga on Thursday morning, Jager told some 600 kiwifruit growers that Zespri needs both to be ready to face the huge challenges posed by China and to take advantage of the massive market opportunities.
“China is hugely important for our future in New Zealand,” said Jager. “What does the growth of the China market mean for us? What role will Chinese kiwifruit supply play in the future of Zespri.”
New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry is exiting the worst crisis in its history. The PSA kiwifruit disease devastated its production of its highly profitable Gold kiwifruit. But the recovery is now well underway, said Jager, and Zespri is set to market some 120m trays of kiwifruit by 2020.
