Andrew Dunstan, director of Southern Cross Horticulture in Tauranga, indicated a stable outlook for the kiwifruit sector, noting, "If we execute well, there is a solid, reliable, decade ahead." The demand for kiwifruit at favorable prices is rising, necessitating efforts to meet this demand. Despite challenges in 2022 and 2023, the industry saw improvements in 2024, with 2025 appearing promising.
Property demand from Auckland to Whakatāne is increasing. In the peak years of 2021 and 2022, Southern Cross Horticulture developed an average of 100ha of new orchards annually. This decreased to 50ha in 2023 and 2024, but projections for this year estimate 80-100ha. Dunstan emphasized the need for sustainable growth, stating, "It's not about people just throwing money at it. It's about being the best, not the biggest."
The business, in partnership with investors, acquired a 45-ha dairy farm in Pukehina in 2020, which is ready for its first harvest. Andrew Wilks, regional manager, reported that 16ha had been planted, with an initial yield of approximately 9000 trays. As the remaining property is converted and this year's vines mature, next season's yield could reach 17,500 trays. Wilks described spring as "almost textbook" for pollination, with favorable summer conditions.
Additionally, a 40-ha dairy farm is being converted into a kiwifruit orchard at Paengaroa for a group of growers. Infrastructure development is scheduled for April, with planting planned for June/July.
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. noted the earliest-ever harvest in mid-February near Edgecumbe. CEO Colin Bond highlighted ideal growing conditions, predicting a record harvest of over 200 million trays, a "modest increase" from the previous year's record of over 190 million trays. Bond acknowledged challenges such as hail damage but noted overall favorable conditions.
In the 2023/24 season, kiwifruit growers contributed approximately $2.2 billion to the national economy, with $1.8 billion from the Bay of Plenty. New Zealand's kiwifruit industry, the largest horticultural export, involves over 2800 growers from Kerikeri to Motueka.
Zespri's final forecast for the 2024/25 season anticipates exceeding the $4.5 billion global revenue target. CEO Jason Te Brake reported strong demand and positive growing conditions, resulting in a substantial crop volume and robust sales. Te Brake stated, "It's been a very positive season," and expressed confidence in the industry's future.
Source: The Country