Monday, 10 June 2024 11:49

Big jump in Seeka's kiwifruit production

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Seeka chief executive Michael Franks. Seeka chief executive Michael Franks.

One of the country’s largest kiwifruit growers has reported a 44% increase in production this season.

Listed company Seeka has told the New Zealand Stock Exchange that it has packed 43 million trays of class 1 kiwifruit this harvest season, compared to 29.8m trays last year.

Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says the increase is a pleasing recovery after two very challenging years impacted by weather events.

“The additional volume was efficiently processed by our facilities and well within our capability,” he says.

“Availability of labour and automation improvements both contributed to a smooth and effective packing season. Shipping is proceeding well. The impact of the Zespri shipment infested by rodents is not expected to materially impact earnings.”

Franks points out that while the increased trays packed is a signal of a return to profitability, it is too early to accurately predict the financial outcome and to be able to provide reliable financial guidance.

Seeka expects to update the market later in the year.

Franks says the company remains focused on maximising operational earnings, debt reduction, and achieving financial leverage targets.

He thanked all growers, suppliers, contractors and staff for their efforts in concluding the 2024 New Zealand kiwifruit harvest.

More like this

Featured

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.

B+LNZ launches AI assistant for farmers

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

Sorting unwashed potatoes made easy

Downs, a leader in potato reception, automated sorting, and storage, has introduced its new high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes…

Jumbo X saves time and money

A winner of a prestigious ‘Technical Innovations 2024’ award by FederUnacoma at the EIMA show in Italy, the Maschio Jumbo…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

A step too far

OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…

Save us from SAFE

OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter