New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry has launched its 2025 harvest season with record-breaking production and strong international demand.
Zespri, the country’s leading kiwifruit marketer, expects to produce more than 205 million trays (738,000 tonnes) of fruit this year, surpassing last season’s record of 190 million trays.
The first charter vessel carrying 1.2 million trays of kiwifruit, including SunGold and RubyRed varieties, has already departed from Tauranga to Shanghai, marking an early and promising start.
Record-High Yields and Strong Sales Projections
Favourable growing conditions and increased production capacity have fuelled this season’s success. Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake confirmed the industry’s strong momentum, stating:
“Our industry has packed more fruit at this time of the season than ever before, and our first charter vessels have departed successfully, which is important as we look to get off to a fast start and return strong value back to our growers.”
Last season, Zespri reported $4.5 billion in sales, and the company anticipates exceeding that figure this year. The company has also projected improvements in fruit size and foreign exchange positions, which could contribute to higher returns.
Global Demand and Market Risks
Zespri has received positive feedback from international markets, including China, Europe, and North America, where customers have shown a strong appetite for New Zealand-grown kiwifruit.
“The feedback we’ve received from customers across Europe, China, and North America over recent weeks is that there’s strong demand for Zespri kiwifruit, and our teams are looking forward to selling this season’s fruit as more arrives in market in the coming weeks,” said Te Brake.
Zespri has identified fruit quality deterioration, softer market conditions, and geopolitical uncertainty as key risks that could impact trade and sales performance.
Expanding RubyRed Kiwifruit Production in Italy
Zespri’s board has approved the cultivation of 170 hectares of RubyRed kiwifruit in Italy over the next two years. This move is a key part of the company’s strategy to increase its 12-month supply.
The decision marks the first use of Zespri’s 1,000-hectare offshore planting approval, which was granted following a 2019 producer vote.
“Growing RubyRed Kiwifruit in Italy will support efforts to deliver on Zespri’s 12-month supply strategy, help us build our brand, and maintain shelf space and retail partnerships to support New Zealand grower returns, particularly given the increasingly competitive red category,” Te Brake explained.
Zespri’s RubyRed kiwifruit, known for its berry-like taste, has been introduced in new markets this season, including the United States. Nearly all 3 million trays of New Zealand-grown RubyRed have already been packed, demonstrating the growing demand for the variety.
Financial Performance and Grower Returns
Orchard Gate Returns (OGR) projections show slight improvements for SunGold kiwifruit, with estimated returns of $11 – $12.50 per tray, compared to $11.59 per tray last season.
Green kiwifruit OGR: Estimated at $8 – $9.50 per tray, consistent with last year. RubyRed OGR: Dropped from $16.66 per tray to between $14.50 – $16.50 per tray, due to low yields from younger vines.
Overall industry sentiment remains positive despite the dip in RubyRed returns, with increasing global interest in the red kiwifruit category.
Growers and Industry Reactions
The early harvest has been met with enthusiasm from growers and industry leaders. New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) anticipates a highly productive season, despite isolated challenges such as hail damage in Tasman and Whakatane.
NZKGI Chief Executive Colin Bond acknowledged the overall positive growing conditions, stating:
“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.”
Among the first growers to harvest RubyRed kiwifruit this season were Mark and Josie Ruiter in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Their early-maturing fruit is set to reach both domestic and international markets soon, followed by SunGold and Green varieties.
Conclusion
The peak of the harvest is expected in mid-April, with the season concluding in June. Zespri remains focused on expanding its global market reach while ensuring strong returns for growers.
As the industry monitors market conditions and quality control measures, Zespri is set to maintain its premium brand status and reinforce its position as a global kiwifruit leader.