Zespri global sales top $5 billion for 2024–25 season amid strong demand
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
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.
Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective (RRCC) chairperson Roger Dalrymple says farmers in his region are taking a national lead in water quality awareness and monitoring.
One young couple is proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.