New Zealand’s 2023 kiwifruit harvest officially kicked off on 16th February which is in line with last year. The first crop was picked in Pukehina, outside of Tauranga and more kiwifruit will be picked around New Zealand over the coming months. The first charter vessel of the season also left the Port of Tauranga this week.
“This season we expect to deliver around 145 million trays of Green, SunGold and RubyRed Kiwifruit to more than 50 countries," said Carol Ward, Zespri Chief Grower, Industry and Sustainability Officer. "The lower volumes we’re expecting this season reflect some of the challenging weather conditions we’ve seen in New Zealand, however they provide an opportunity for our industry to reset so that we can focus on delivering consistently high-quality fruit to our customers and consumers this season and in the years ahead when we have more volume.
2023 season is forecast to be a lower volume year than last year’s 160 million trays.
“Growers, post-harvest and Zespri all have an important role to play in strengthening our practices to maintain the best fruit possible and we’re already seeing some important work being undertaken to improve our practices through the industry Quality Action Plan. Our focus is very much on continuing to have a really good harvest over the coming months so that we can provide consistently good quality Zespri Kiwifruit to meet the growing demand from our global consumers."
Zespri are also continuing to work closely with NZKGI to support growers impacted by the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. While the full impact is still being assessed, around 70% of the producing area in the Hawke’s Bay and 25% in Gisborne has suffered moderate-to-significant damage, with these regions responsible for around 1.5% and 4% of total industry production.
For more information:
Anna Cross
Zespri International Limited
Tel: +64 27 316 7777
[email protected]
www.zespri.com