Zespri Launches “Grown for Good” Global Brand Platform
Zespri has unveiled Grown for Good, a refreshed global brand platform, in an effort to reinforce the company's commitment to nutrition and creating value across the kiwifruit industry.
Zespri's net profit — after tax — for 2017-18 increased by 38% to $101.8 million.
It says the result was primarily driven by revenues from the release of 400ha of SunGold licence in 2017, as part of Zespri’s continuing programme to fulfil consumer demand.
The total dividend returned to shareholders was 76 cents per share, versus 25c/share in the previous season. The payout included an additional interim dividend of 50c/share to distribute most of the funds generated through the 2017 SunGold licence round.
Sales volumes through the non-New Zealand supply segment, that enables Zespri to supply consumers with kiwifruit 12 months of the year, fell by 8%.
Supply of Green was reduced because of a damaging frost in Italy. However, SunGold sales in Italy increased to offset the fall, with the Zespri Global Supply business recording total sales revenue of $264m, up from $217m in 2016-17.
Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson says they anticipate record production of NZ and non-NZ kiwifruit this year driven by increasing supply of SunGold and a recovery in supply of Green.
“Our challenge is to continue to lift our performance by staying focused on improving the execution of our brand-led, consumer-focused strategy, supported by excellence in marketing and strong, connected partnerships with growers, suppliers, distributors and retail partners.”
New Zealand exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years under the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
A new joint investment of $1.2 million aims to accelerate farmer uptake of low-methane sheep genetics, one of the few emissions reduction tools available to New Zealand farmers.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a stark warning about the global implications of the ongoing Gulf crisis.
Fonterra has announced interim changes to the leadership of its Global Ingredients business.
New Zealand agritech company Halter has announced unveiled a new direct-to-satellite technology solution for its smart collars for beef cattle, unlocking virtual fencing for some of the country's most remote farming regions.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) has announced a new limited edition DWN Monopoly NZ Dairy Farming Edition, created to celebrate the people, places and seasons.

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