New Zealand kiwifruit growers have voted to support the expansion of Zespri Global Supply, approving the allocation of up to 1,037 additional acres of Zespri SunGold kiwifruit per year over six years.
The acreage will be added across Italy, France, Japan, South Korea and Greece, according to a news release.
The producer vote result follows an extensive period of discussions between Zespri and the industry to design a resolution that growers supported, and that would enable the company to lift supply in line with forecast demand in the context of intensifying competition and an increasingly dynamic category, the release said.
“The process that has brought us to this point, along with the result of the vote, reflects the ability of our industry to come together on pressing issues with a focus on delivering strong grower returns and maintaining Zespri’s position as leaders in a competitive category,” said Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake. “The outlook for Zespri kiwifruit is positive. I’ve spent a lot of time in the markets with our customers in 2024, they want more of our fruit, and they want it all year. The result of this vote is crucial as we continue working towards 12-month supply for key customers in key markets, filling more demand and supporting New Zealand grower returns into the future.”
Under the kiwifruit export regulations, a producer vote must receive at least 75% support — by individual votes and by fruit weight — from those who vote to be successful. The resolution was supported by 90.6% of growers who voted and by 93.29% by fruit weight count.
The result comes towards the end of a strong season for Zespri, with a record 190-million tray crop volume delivered, and November forecast orchard gate returns up across almost all categories compared to the August forecast, the release said. Forecast per hectare returns are at record levels for green and organic green kiwifruit on the back of improved yields while maintaining strong value in the market.
The allocation and planting of the additional SunGold acreage will begin in early 2025, according to the release.
