Seeka Posts Record $62m Profit as Zespri Lifts 2026 Forecast
More signs of a booming kiwifruit sector.
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.
Hawke's Bay fruit growers are being reminded of the need to prepare for whatever the El Niño weather system may bring in the coming months.
Three and a half years on from when Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke's Bay, some orchardists in the region are still receiving counselling to help them deal with the trauma they suffered.
South of the central Hawke’s Bay town of Waipukurau is Taniwha Station – a highly successful 550ha bull beef farming operation.
Beef + Lamb NZ funded research has shown that some simple changes to pasture management could help farmers make better use of rainfall and build resilience before dry conditions hit.
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