Blueberries Could Be NZ's Next $150m Horticultural Export
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Up and down but not too bad in the circumstances. That's one way of describing Zespri's final result for the 2023-24 season.
Despite all the challenges, including weather, Zespri's global kiwifruit sales for the year were 2% up on the previous season to $3.99 billion, reflecting improved fruit quality and strong pricing secured throughout the season. This result was good considering that the actual number of trays of kiwifruit sold was down 10.5% to 164.2 million trays compared with 183.5 million sold in the previous season.
Zespri's net profit after tax was $173.3 million, down from $238.7 million in 2022/23, mainly driven it says by reduced licence revenue.
In terms of grower returns, those who fared best were those with Zespri green, Zespri green 14 and SunGold with their returns per hectare up on the previous season. However organic green and organic SunGold were down. Zespri ruby Red was almost on a par with the previous season.
Zespri's chief executive Dan Mathieson says the results reflect the industry effort to lift fruit quality, along with strong consumer demand for Zespri Kiwifruit, which he says is encouraging.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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