Zespri says New Zealand kiwifruit volume down

Zespri said New Zealand green kiwifruit volume will be off substantially in 2023.
Zespri said New Zealand green kiwifruit volume will be off substantially in 2023.
(Photo courtesy Zespri)

New Zealand kiwifruit marketer Zespri has reported that challenging weather events throughout the 2023 growing season have contributed to a lower-than-expected New Zealand crop.

The latest New Zealand crop estimate indicates that Zespri now expects to export around 136 million trays of green, SunGold and RubyRed kiwifruit to more than 50 countries this season, down from 171 million trays supplied in 2022, according to a news release. This season’s crop potential could be reduced further after April’s hail event in the Te Puke growing region, the release said.

“Like many others in the primary industries around the world, kiwifruit growers have faced a particularly tough time this growing season, including many weather-related challenges,” Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson said in the release. “As a result, we have a limited supply of kiwifruit for our customers this season, particularly green kiwifruit where we’re expecting one of the lowest volumes in the past 20 years, with around 42 million green trays available which is down from around 61 million trays in 2022.”

While lower volumes make it more challenging for customers to access Zespri kiwifruit, Mathieson said the industry will be focused on lifting fruit quality this season and prepare for increased volumes in 2024.

“There’s been a huge effort across the industry and our supply chain to do everything possible to lift quality this season, including making sure we had a really good quality harvest, and that’s been supported by the initiatives that have been established as part of the industry’s Quality Action Plan,” Mathieson said in the release.

“While it’s still early in the season, it’s been promising to hear the consistent feedback across our key markets that our initial shipments are showing much better quality outturns this season,” he continued. “We’ve already seen that in our Asian markets and now again over the weekend in Europe where our first shipment of fruit has been distributed to meet the strong demand we’re seeing from local consumers.”

With more than half this season’s fruit harvested, planning for next season was already underway to manage a much larger forecast crop in 2024, he said in the release.

“From a supply perspective, we’re expecting significantly more volume in 2024 as growers rebound from this season’s weather-related reduced yields and more of our licensed SunGold Kiwifruit hectares come into maturity,” Mathieson said in the release. “This growth is expected to continue in the years ahead, with our New Zealand supply alone forecast to reach almost 230 million trays in 2027-28. Our Northern Hemisphere supply locations are also forecast to more than double from this year’s 25 million trays by 2027-28.”

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.