The 2025 kiwifruit season in New Zealand has commenced with the earliest harvest on record. Initiated near Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty, the harvest is projected to surpass the 200 million tray mark. The growers' organization, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI), anticipates a productive season.
Zespri, responsible for kiwifruit marketing, forecasts exceeding its $4.5 billion export sales target. Zespri's CEO, Jason Te Brake, acknowledges the industry's efforts in meeting brand-led demand and delivering quality produce. "The forecast per tray returns have strengthened from the last forecast in November for all fruit categories other than Green, which remains in line with November's forecast," he notes.
The Brake highlights record per-hectare returns for Green and Organic Green varieties, driven by increased yields and strong market value. SunGold returns have improved since November, while RubyRed Kiwifruit returns remain stable.
Mark and Josie Ruiter, from the Eastern Bay of Plenty, were the first to harvest the early maturing RubyRed variety. These will soon be available in New Zealand and select international markets, followed by Gold and Green varieties.
Should the harvest reach 200 million trays, it will slightly exceed last year's record of over 190 million trays. The harvest peaks in mid-April and concludes in June.
NZKGI's Colin Bond supports growers' optimism. "While my thoughts are with those Tasman and Whakatane growers who received significant hail damage at the end of last December, overall growers have experienced a great lead up to harvest, with ideal sun and little wind, to produce excellent kiwifruit," he states. Bond emphasizes the industry's collaborative efforts to enhance the supply chain and deliver high-quality fruit globally.
Source: Rural News