New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) is now supporting Zespri's initiative to increase kiwifruit crop volumes overseas, following a neutral position on the company's 2022 expansion efforts. The 2022 proposal, which sought to enlarge the crop area to supply the market out of season, did not achieve the required 75% grower support, falling short at approximately 70%.
Colin Bond, CEO of NZKGI, highlighted a growing number of growers seeking advice on the matter, indicating a rising awareness of its importance. "There is an increasing understanding about how important this issue is now, and that message has also been sent by Zespri, and we support Zespri's draft proposal," Bond stated. This proposal involves allocating up to 420 hectares annually over six years for SunGold kiwifruit plantings in Italy, France, Japan, South Korea, and Greece, with the Zespri board conducting annual reviews to ensure demand exceeds supply.
Zespri faces challenges in maintaining shelf space during off-season periods, with over 80% of its out-of-season SunGold supply coming from Italy. The current season's supply meets about 70% of the demand. Bond's recent visit to Europe convinced him of the urgency to support Zespri's expansion, noting the competitive threat of companies ready to fill any supply gaps. He also mentioned the potential of Greek kiwifruit growers and the challenges faced by Italian growers due to vine decline disease.
The proposal, still in draft form, requires ratification by the Zespri board, with grower votes anticipated before the year's end. Zespri has already received approval to grow 5000ha of SunGold fruit in the northern hemisphere, facing competition from Italian companies offering a variety of kiwifruit to retailers.
Source: farmersweekly