New Zealand’s kiwifruit growers have once again shown what a productive, market-driven industry can achieve, with more than 225 million trays picked this year, smashing last year’s record harvest of 216 million trays, which generated $3.5 billion in fruit and service payments. It’s the kind of result that should make every Kiwi proud: an industry built on private enterprise, hard graft, and smart investment, delivering record returns without relying on government handouts.
Five million trays of red kiwifruit were brought in during early February, while close to 162 million trays of SunGold continue making their way from cool stores to markets around the world.
Green growers had a tougher run, with their 58 million trays taking longer to harvest than expected due to delayed vine maturity, meaning less fruit made it to supermarket shelves early in the season. Even the best growers can’t control the weather.
Seeka packed over 45 million trays, down from 47 million the year before, largely due to weaker green kiwifruit volumes, though the company still managed a record SunGold crop. Chief executive Michael Franks said the company was satisfied with the result given the year it had had.
“In the case of the green kiwifruit, the numbers were there, but the quality wasn’t. We had a lot more shape issues, probably reflecting the growing conditions and pollination. There was a storm at a critical time through the growing season, and so perhaps the rejects were a little higher than we would have anticipated and yields down on last year, which I think was disappointing.”
Across the Tasman, Seeka’s Australian operation harvested 2.25 million kilograms of kiwifruit, down 14% after a hotter, drier growing season produced smaller fruit and squeezed earnings.
Franks pointed to the season as evidence of why Seeka’s continued investment in automation and technology pays off, boosting productivity and trimming costs, with further upgrades planned for next year. It’s exactly the kind of self-reliant innovation that keeps Kiwi businesses competitive on the world stage without needing a handout.
Seeka is forecasting a net profit before tax for the 2026 financial year of between $38–$42 million. That’s down from $47.5 million last year but still the company’s second-highest earnings on record.
Zespri, meanwhile, has forecast grower returns on par with last year’s, even with rising freight costs tied to the Middle East conflict.
Chief executive Jason Te Brake credited the result to strong demand, particularly in Europe and North America.
“We’re continuing to perform well in Japan and Korea, with steady sales in China, where we’re seeing intense pricing pressure in the premium fruit category. Our in-market teams remain focused on maintaining strong sales rates to help maximise value as the season progresses. Fruit quality is also generally tracking well, but with a large crop to manage, maintaining quality remains a focus.”
Te Brake added that the company was working closely with long-term shipping partners to keep operations running to plan.
Zespri’s corporate net profit after tax, including licence revenue, is forecast to come in between $355 and $365 million, up from $280 million last year.