New Zealand’s kiwi marketer and exporter Zespri has reported an increase in average fruit and service payments made to its growers for the 2010 kiwi season. Returns increased by NZD 13.7 million, or NZD .15 per tray over last year.

According to a Zespri news release, Zespri Gold returns saw the biggest increase of NZD .99 per tray, an increase of 12.8% compared to 2009-10. Zespri Green returns rose NZD .39 per tray or 10.5% while Zespri Green Organic dipped slightly by NZD .06 or 1%.

“Market returns this season are up on last year and reflect strong consumer demand for Zespri Kiwifruit. However we are still facing challenging market conditions as the global economy emerges from the recession, with Japan and East Asia recovering more quickly than Europe and North America,” the company’s director of corporate and grower services, Carol Ward, said in the release.

Returns did not suffer any negative impact from the sagging value of the US dollar due to a hedging policy. Exchange rates are set three years ahead of time, and Zespri estimates without the policy, returns would have dropped by as much as NZD .85 per tray.

The last vessel carrying kiwi shipments is scheduled to leave New Zealand on October 28 en route to Japan.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com