NZ Kiwifruit Growers Set for Higher Returns Despite Risks
Despite the ongoing bad news on the geopolitical front, New Zealand kiwifruit growers may be in for a good payout.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.
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.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.
Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says while it's still early days in terms of the kiwifruit harvest, things are looking pretty good.

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