Westpac NZ Becomes First Bank to Accept Zespri Shares as Lending Security
Westpac NZ has become the first New Zealand bank to receive approval from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) to secure and leverage kiwifruit growers' Zespri shares.
The organisation says total global fruit sales revenue reached a record $5.9 billion from sales of 248.1 million trays - that's up nearly a billion dollars on the previous year. This total includes kiwifruit produced in other parts of the world.
Direct returns from NZ orchards reached a record $3.56 billion - up from $3.04 billion in 2024.
Strong Performance Despite Challenging Market Conditions
Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake says the 2025 season results signal the industry's momentum.
He says these results are something the industry can be proud of, particularly given they delivered a record crop in a much more challenging and complex environment.
"While we experienced pressure in certain markets, this was offset by our strong performance in key regions such as Europe and North America," he says.
Global Supply Strategy Supports Growth
Te Brake says Zespri's global supply remains a critical part of the organisation's strategy.
He says increased volumes from their Northern Hemisphere supply are helping build the brand, hold shelf space in an increasingly competitive market and maintain commercial partnerships that support strong returns to growers.
"The 2025 season marked an important step forward with the industry looking ahead to the next decade.
Zespri Sets Ambitious Vision for 2035
“We’ve launched our 2035 strategy which is focused on building on our momentum, ensuring we continue to invest in quality, capability and market development so we can consistently deliver strong returns for growers and sustained value for shareholders over the long term,” he says.
Te Brake says by focusing on three drivers – building brand-led demand, transforming global supply and creating the product portfolio of the future – they’ll be in a strong position to realise their ambition of “becoming the world’s healthiest fruit brand by 2035 and deliver strong value to the industry”.
Improved Per-Tray Returns for Growers
For growers, the news is good. For example, the final price per tray for Zespri Green growers is $10.28 – up 28 cents on the last forecast. For SunGold it’s $11.90 – up 20 cents, and RubyRed $16.01 - up 85 cents. The per tray price for organic fruit is also up.
Te Brake says the record per-hectare returns and improved per tray returns reflect improved yields and their ability to secure strong value for growers, shareholders and communities through the strength of their brand and supply chain.
