Zespri's counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) program is underway, with around 33 million trays, or 118,800 tons, expected this year from orchards in France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
This includes almost 26 million trays of Zespri SunGold kiwifruit (93,600 tons), a rise of 30 per cent compared to last season, and 7 million trays of procured Zespri Green from Greece and Italy (25,200 tons).
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According to Zespri Executive Officer for Northern Hemisphere Supply, Nick Kirton, the increase in SunGold volumes is linked mainly to favourable growing conditions. Italy, in particular, is supplying 35 per cent more SunGold and organic SunGold than last year.
With New Zealand-grown SunGold sales now completed in Europe, the company has shifted to its Northern Hemisphere SunGold program in that region. Transitions to ZGS-grown SunGold in Asia and the United States are planned for December. Zespri Green will follow once the New Zealand Green program ends, with European sales already underway.
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Northern Hemisphere production forms an important part of Zespri's aim to maintain a year-round supply for customers and retailers. Mr Kirton says the company expects further growth in volumes from these regions over the coming years.
Work has been ongoing since January to release an additional 420 hectares of SunGold for Northern Hemisphere production, following the New Zealand Producer Vote at the end of 2024. This area includes 300 hectares in Italy, 70 in Greece, and 40 in France, with the remaining plantings planned for South Korea. It also marks the first commercial SunGold production in Greece. In addition, Zespri will be able to supply its red-fleshed Zespri Red variety to European markets, with 170 hectares approved for commercialisation in Italy over the next two years.
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Mr Kirton notes that each season the company works with supply-chain partners to optimise productivity and ensure consistent quality standards. With the first Northern Hemisphere shipments now progressing, he expects a steady start to the new sales period.
For more information:
Anna Cross
Zespri
Tel: +64 27 316 7777
Email: [email protected]
www.zespri.com
