KiwiBrothersTM make their China debut
Zespri has unveiled the award-winning KiwiBrothersTM mascots in China for the first time to market its large kiwifruit crop.
Kiwifruit exporter Zespri has reported a record 2020-21 season, with bumper tray returns across all categories.
The farmer-owned company puts the solid result down to increased sales, the ongoing expansion of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit production and great quality fruit underpinned by strong international demand.
The company’s financial results how total global revenue generated by fruit sales reached $3.58 billion, up 14% on the previous year, while total global operating revenue increased by 16% to $3.89 billion. Global sales volumes were up 10% on the previous year to 181.5 million trays.
Direct returns to the New Zealand industry increased 15% to $2.25 billion, overcoming uncertainty generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earnings are spread through many regional communities including the Bay of Plenty, Northland, Nelson, Gisborne, and the Waikato, providing support to people, communities and businesses across the country.
There were strong returns on both a per tray and per hectare basis:
Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron says the results reflect the continued strong demand for Zespri Kiwifruit around the world, boosted by the industry’s hard work and investment to increase demand and supply.
“After a season where we were forced to make such significant changes to our operations with a focus on keeping our people safe, getting our fruit to the world, and continuing to invest for the future, it’s pleasing to see such encouraging results for the industry,” says Cameron.
“Demand for both Zespri Green and Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit increased and we’re pleased to see growing interest in our newest variety, Zespri Red, which is a testament to our industry’s ongoing investment in innovation and finding new ways to add value for New Zealand and our international production bases.”
Zespri’s chief executive officer Dan Mathieson says the 2020-21 season again showcased the strength of the Zespri brand in delivering value, attracting new consumers and supporting communities.
“The unity of our industry allowed us to respond effectively to incredibly difficult conditions around the world. That response was underpinned by our investment in the Zespri brand, the trust we have built up with our customers and consumers globally and the resilience and adaptability of our supply chain and sales and marketing teams.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.
OPINION: The distress that the politicians and bureaucrats are causing to the people of Wairoa and the wider Tairāwhiti is unforgivable.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…