The company's Chief Grower & Alliances Officer, Dave Courtney, says increased levels of Green and 7-10 million trays more of SunGold, could possibly NZ volumes possibly over 2016/17 volumes.
"SunGold harvest is in full swing in around the country, kicking off a week earlier than last season," he said. "Shipping is well underway with the first ships to China and Japan on track to arrive in market next week. Every season is different and generally Bay of Plenty has had good rainfall at the right times. The summer has been hot and relatively cloudy and we’re looking at another good year for taste levels."
Photo: Asian Adonis, a refrigerated cargo ship.
Both the company’s two biggest export markets, Japan and China, are forecast to grow strongly, with repeat purchasing very strong from consumers.
"Zespri is also looking for solid growth across the rest of Asia as well as Europe and North America, where supply did not meet demand last year," Mr Courtney said. "Demand for safe, healthy fruit continues to grow exponentially in China, in terms of both volume and value. However, our Japanese market is going great guns as well – we’ve seen a 30 percent sales growth there over the past four years."
Mr Courtney adds this season there is excellent quality levels and high taste across all varieties, and the industry is re-balancing the green-gold split.
"We are seeing very strong demand for our premium, healthy, tasty product and we’re working hard to have kiwifruit in as many homes and fruit bowls across the world as possible," he said. "We have a 12 month strategy so that people can access fruit all year round at the high quality that they expect from Zespri, with benefits for both consumers and growers. We’re also focusing strongly on consumers – staying close to them and staying relevant. And we’re keeping up new variety development work to add new consumers and excitement to the category.
Photo: Zespri Chief Grower & Alliances Officer, Dave Courtney.
Kiwifruit packhouse, EastPack says the season is off to an early start, with this year's harvest set to possibly run into mid-June.
"Great growing conditions which are excellent for fruit volume and size but not good for fruit Dry Matter which is associated with taste," EastPack Business Development Manager, Toby Potter said. "This just means growers may need to leave on the vine slightly longer to achieve taste requirements.
The company says this year on year growth in crops and volumes, means it is continually looking to expand its facilities and already commissions one of the largest fruit sorting machine in kiwifruit industry.
"Over the last couple of years we have invested significantly in packing and coolstore infrastructure to support volume growth which is expected to dramatically increase over the next 10 years, especially in Gold varieties," Mr Potter said.
For more information:Dave Courtney
Zespri
Phone: +64 7 572 7600
contactzespri@zespri.com
www.zespri.com