It's not all automatic
Besides the satisfactory sales he can also conclude that they have PSA under control. "At the moment there aren't really any large threats. The biggest one is that we think everything is automatic at Zespri. A large business with a high quality product like us has to work particularly hard to continue to perform and supply added value."
From 20/80 - Green/Gold to 50/50
The total kiwi area in New Zealand is almost 13,000 hectares. Of these 8,000 are Green and around 5,000 hectare Gold. Over the coming years increasing numbers of trees will come into full production. In New Zealand 130 million boxes of kiwis were harvested this season. Around 80 million Green and 45 million Gold. A total of 10 million boxes of Gold and almost 40 million boxes of Green were intended for Europe." Bert indicates that at the moment the volume ratio for the destination Europe is 80/20 for Green and Gold. "Our goal over the coming years is to move toward 50/50. I think we will be close in around 5 years. This would mean Gold will grow quickly and the number of Green remain stable. In the coming years Green and Gold will grow closer."
Gold
Does the popularity of Gold not have a negative influence on Green? "We notice that part is substitution, but it's not too bad. We see the total kiwi consumption in Europe rising, and we're happy about that. Green is eaten by a large loyal group due to the specific flavour. There are some consumers who buy both to vary." There aren't any new varieties for now. "There are plans for a red kiwi, but that's a long and difficult process. We are demanding of our products and can't afford mistakes. The shelf life seems to be a stumbling point in the red variety, which doesn't make it easy, especially for export to Europe."
PSA under control
PSA might be under control, but it remains a risk factor. It still hasn't completely disappeared, the disease will always be there. It is influenced by a lot of different factors, such as the weather. By applying a coordinated approach and new growing techniques, Zespri growers are better able to control the disease. We know how to deal with it, but we have to be constantly vigilant."
End of the season
The New Zealand season for Gold runs until the end of September and Green will be there until the end of November. "We hope for a good connection to Italy for Gold this year. Part of the Italian plantation will be in full production this year, so we will have more volume. All in all we can conclude that we have had a quick and normal New Zealand season. As far as price is concerned we look for a certain stability annually and that was achieved again this season."
For more information:
Bert Barmans
Nele Moorthamers
Zespri Europe
Posthofbrug 10 bus 3
B-2600 Berchem
T + 32 3 201 08 05
F +32 3 201 08 91
Bert.Barmans@zespri-europe.com
Nele.Moorthamers@zespri-europe.com
www.zespri.eu