Blueberries Could Be NZ's Next $150m Horticultural Export
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Forecast per tray returns for Zespri Green, Organic Green and Organic SunGold Kiwifruit now exceed the top end of the August ranges.
At a per hectare level, record returns are now forecast for all fruit groups.
Jason Te Brake, chief executive of Zespri, says it has been a strong season with a record crop of 215 million trays from New Zealand delivered to markets around the world.
"The forecast is positive news for our growers and reflects the continued global demand for Zespri Kiwifruit, which has been particularly strong in Europe and North America, with forecast returns also benefiting from marketing spend efficiencies and favourable foreign exchange gains.
“With just a few weeks of fruit left to sell, our in-market teams are focused on finishing the New Zealand season strongly and maximising the value we return to growers.”
Zespri will release its final forecast for the 2025/26 season in February.
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