In order to assess the supply for the coming season and analyse the recent production dynamics, CSO Italy participated in the IKO (International Kiwifruit Organisation) conference, which this year took place in Vigo, Spain. The organisation brings together the main kiwifruit-producing countries in the world: Italy, Greece, France, New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Portugal, and the United States, which each year share information and discuss the evolution of the fruit.
Representatives from South Africa, Turkey, and China also attended the event as guests. CSO Italy has been part of this table representing Italy for almost 30 years, and, on this occasion, representatives from Naturitalia, Jingold, Apo Conerpo, and OP Kiwi Sole participated as delegates.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
Higher harvests are expected for the coming season compared to last year, favoured by larger production areas and a climatic trend more favourable to the development of unit yields.
With a projected 2025/26 volume exceeding 367,000 tonnes, Greece is expected to have a 7% higher crop than last season, despite smaller grades in comparison to 2024. The expansion of the crop is favoured by the larger orchards, which have reached 15,000 hectares this year, though it seems that the pace of planting has slowed down compared to a few years ago. Although supplies in Greece have been expanding for several years, there has been a gradual decline in yields in recent seasons due to the influence of climate change, which could limit future projections in terms of potential supply.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
Italy is expected to have an increasing volume of kiwifruits this season, as about 341,000 tonnes are expected overall, i.e. +17% on 2024/25. At around 208,000 tonnes, the green kiwifruit crop is expected to be up 11% on 2024, then there are an estimated 128,000 tonnes of golden kiwifruits, i.e. +27% on 2024, and just over 4,000 tonnes of red kiwi fruit (+10% on 2024). Green kiwifruits are weighed down by the continuing loss of production areas (especially in the North-central regions).
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
On the contrary, the rise in the hectares of golden varieties has not stopped, thanks also to the gradual entry of new clubs. Albeit with lower numbers, the areas of red produce are also growing, with further investments already planned for the coming years.
Better yields are expected for green kiwifruits, particularly in the northern regions, as well as a more promising situation for golden kiwifruits, again with regard to average yields. Average grades are expected with a normal distribution, favoured by less problematic weather than the last season.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
A clearly expanding supply is expected this year, after a very disappointing previous season in terms of volumes, especially in Portugal with 47,000 tonnes (+50% on 2024) and Spain with over 33,000 tonnes (+42% on 2024). In France, the total 2025 harvest between green-fleshed kiwifruits and golden kiwifruits could stand at 55,000 tonnes (+10% on 2024).
On a European level, the total marketable volumes of all varieties for this year should be around 844,500 tonnes, +14% compared to the 2024 harvest, a slightly higher quantity than in recent seasons, characterised by a harvested volume below the available production potential.
