Australasian kiwifruit producer, Seeka Limited, began picking SunGold kiwifruit in Gisborne today (Monday, 3 March) with a range of orchards across the regions ready for harvest.
Gisborne orchards, Harpers Road and College, owned and managed by Ngai Tukairangi Trust, and Hawkes Bay orchards, Haumoana Estate Ltd and Heretaunga Waima were the first orchards that Seeka packs to pass clearance criteria and be picked, with Heretaunga Waima being a SunGold organic orchard.
Seeka's Gisborne-based Client Relationship Manager, Rochelle Brown, was impressed by the quality of the SunGold kiwifruit she is seeing this season. "The fruit is looking outstanding this season. Fruit size and dry matter are right on track for where we want it to be."
Seeka-managed orchards, Wiroa and Raetea H, owned by Craigmore Permanent Crop Partnership in Kerikeri, will also pick this week.
Seeka's CEO, Michael Franks said, "We are pleased that orchards in Gisborne and Hawkes Bay are returning to normal production following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. We wish them a safe and successful harvest. These early clearances along with the RubyRed kiwifruit clearances, provide a good startup for our facilities which are ready to roll with the capacity and labour to efficiently pick, pack, and load fruit for our valued growers".
For more information:
Rhian Ecclestone
Seeka
Tel: +64 27 253 4394