Two New Zealand kiwifruit suppliers will oppose Zespri's notice of appeal against parts of a recent High Court decision on collaborative marketing, according to local media Stuff.co.nz. 

The country's second-largest kiwifruit supplier, Seeka Kiwifruit Industries, and Splice Fruit are reportedly fighting the single desk marketer's appeal.

"We are looking to co-operate with Zespri to get through this legal process as efficiently as possible," Seeka chief executive Michael Franks was quoted as saying.

In May the High Court ordered regulatory body Kiwifruit New Zealand (KNZ) to review applications by Seeka and Splice Fruit, who wanted to collaborate with Zespri in exports but had been turned down.

Zespri recently appealed the High Court's decision, saying it was open to different interpretations.

"This is a procedural step which allows us to preserve the right to appeal the decision while we decide whether clarification is required on the broader collaborative marketing principles," a Zespri spokesperson said when the appeal was filed.

Related story: Opinion: The stifling of kiwifruit entrepreneurship in New Zealand

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