Seeka Posts Record $62m Profit as Zespri Lifts 2026 Forecast
More signs of a booming kiwifruit sector.
ZESPRI IS launching a new graduate recruitment scheme to attract top young talent into the kiwifruit industry.
Two positions are available to recent graduates, offering 18 months working across Zespri's business including six months offshore, explains Zespri global sourcing partner, Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins.
"The kiwifruit industry is looking at serious growth– with export revenue set to triple to $3 billion by 2025 – and Zespri wants the brightest and best employees onboard to grow our business. This new graduate recruitment scheme is part of our commitment to develop the future leaders of this industry," says Ryan-Hopkins.
Applications are welcome from graduates from all disciplines. Skills in languages, horticulture, marketing, IT and finance are particularly relevant but Ryan-Hopkins explains the right attitude is the most important of all. Zespri sells premium-quality kiwifruit in 53 countries around the world, with opportunities across the business in different areas including marketing, finance, logistics, supply chain, horticulture, science and legal.
"The successful applicants will also have a senior executive mentor for their time at Zespri – an excellent opportunity to get advice from someone who's worked their way through the business," says Ryan-Hopkins.
Applications are open from July 28 to August 25. Applicants must be New Zealand residents and have graduated within the past 12 months. Visit www.zespri.com for more details and to apply online.
Key facts about Zespri
• With sales revenues of $1.35 billion, Zespri is one of the world's most successful horticultural marketing companies and NZ's largest horticultural exporter
• The Zespri brand is recognised as the world leader in premium-quality kiwifruit
• Based in Mount Maunganui, Zespri is 100% owned by current or past kiwifruit
• growers, and employ about 280 people in New Zealand, Asia, Europe and North America
• On behalf of our 2,400 growers in New Zealand and 1,200 growers based elsewhere, Zespri manages kiwifruit innovation and supply management, distribution management and marketing of Zespri Green, Zespri SunGold, Zespri Organic, Zespri Gold, Zespri Sweet Green and Zespri Charm Kiwifruit.
Now in its fourth year, the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards, formed part of the proceedings of the FCANZ Conference, held in Nelson during August.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
OPINION: The stats speak for themselves.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…