New Zealand-based Zespri, the world's largest kiwifruit grower and marketer, has announced it's expecting its Northern Hemisphere harvest to exceed previous sales volumes. 

The strong harvest will support its efforts to deliver a 12-month supply in key markets, maintain brand presence and shelf space, and support New Zealand and offshore grower returns.

Zespri’s Executive Officer - Northern Hemisphere Supply, Nick Kirton, says the Northern Hemisphere sales program has just commenced with Zespri expecting 29 million trays, or just over 100,000 tons of kiwifruit from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan. This compares to 24 million trays, or 88,000 tons, last season.

“This season’s harvest will be our biggest yet and we’re looking forward to providing consumers with more high-quality and great-tasting kiwifruit as we transition from New Zealand-grown fruit to our Northern Hemisphere-grown fruit,” Kirton says.

“The increase in volume also reflects the growth phase we are in, enabled by our year-round investment in the brand and building demand ahead of supply.”

Across the Northern Hemisphere supply regions - which include Italy, France, Greece, Japan, and Korea, Zespri formed partnerships over more than 20 years with around 1,500 Zespri growers and suppliers.

This season’s Green sales volumes are expected to remain steady compared with last year, while SunGold Kiwifruit sales are projected to increase by 25%, reflecting improved growing conditions, increased yields, and new production.

Kirton notes that this season’s strong harvest was even more pleasing given the challenges faced by growers in both Europe and Asia last year. Kirton says that following a season review, Zespri initiated action plans across all Northern Hemisphere regions to address last season’s issues and focus on outcomes that would lift grower returns. This included on-orchard and supply chain improvements and working closely with market teams to achieve the best outcome for growers.

“Last year was a particularly tough season for our growers in Europe and Asia, with sustained extreme heat and weather events impacting fruit size, yield, and quality.

“It is fantastic to see the orchards rebound this year, with growers producing some great quality fruit that we will be able to deliver to our customers, helping support improved returns for growers.

“Our Northern Hemisphere supply program continues to grow and is expected to double in volume by 2030, providing strong returns to the local industry, and making positive contributions to our growing communities,” Kirton says.