Zespri has released its final forecast for the 2024/25 season with strong demand.
Forecast per tray returns have strengthened since the last forecast in November for all fruit categories except Green, which remained in line with the November forecast.
This was the largest crop ever, putting the kiwifruit marketer on track to exceed its longstanding target of NZD 4.5 billion in global revenue.
At a per-hectare level, Green and Organic Green returns have reached record levels due to this season’s improved yields and the strong value secured for fruit throughout the season.
SunGold per-hectare returns have also increased from November, while forecast RubyRed Kiwifruit returns remained steady on both a per-tray and per-hectare basis.
CEO Jason Te Brake said strong demand has allowed Zespri to sell a record crop of more than 190 million trays at strong value for growers.
“It’s been a very positive season. With our crop volume significantly up on the previous year, the industry’s efforts to deliver good quality fruit have supported strong sales in our key markets,” said Te Brake.
“The strong value we’ve secured on a big crop means we’ll exceed the target set in 2015 of reaching NZD 4.5 billion in global revenue by 2025. This is a tremendous effort from the industry and reflects our commitment to building brand-led demand, delivering outstanding quality kiwifruit to our markets and innovating to create value for growers.”
He added there was a strong sense of confidence within the industry, with the booming industry discussion on expanding ZGS at the end of 2024 showcasing Zespri’s ability to make strategic decisions together. He said it was great to see growers optimistic and the industry moving forward so powerfully.
“With a positive outlook and strong demand for our fruit, we’re looking forward to the 2025 harvest, which has commenced, as we look to build on the strong momentum the industry has.”
Te Brake also mentioned that growing conditions have been largely favourable for most growers, and the total crop is more than 200 million trays.
Zespri’s focus will be on starting the season strongly with a good supply of high-quality fruit so that they can again maximise early-season sales opportunities and return substantial value to growers.
Its final season results will be published in May.
