Zespri global sales top $5 billion for 2024–25 season amid strong demand
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson says this is an exciting time for the kiwifruit industry.
Zespri is working with the industry to facilitate good quality growth.
With 14,000ha of kiwifruit, the industry – right across the supply chain – must collaborate more than ever if it is to match supply to demand.
“We are licensing our Sungold out at 700ha a year, in Bay of Plenty and the regions,” Mathieson says.
“We are seeing great growth for Sungold up north in Whangarei and Kerikeri and further down the East Coast – as well in Gisborne, Napier and even in Nelson.
“Sungold grows better than Zespri green in more locations, which means we are getting a wider regional spread.”
However, the big challenge facing the kiwifruit industry is finding enough quality labour. A survey by the University of Waikato forecast that, based on the growth of the industry, 29,000 more people would be required.
Mathieson says encouraging people to make a career in the industry is a challenge and the industry is looking for support from the Government and others to get the staff needed.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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