Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway.
The ZGS programme has supported the delivery of a 12-month supply to key customers in key markets, built the Zespri brand, and delivered strong, sustainable grower returns in an increasingly competitive kiwifruit category.
This year, Zespri has been expected to sell more than 26 million trays, or more than 93,000 tonnes, of kiwifruit from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Zespri Executive Officer—Northern Hemisphere Supply Nick Kirton said the ZGS season has kicked off in Europe following the completion of sales of New Zealand SunGold.
“Our Japan and Korea markets are also set to shift to ZGS SunGold in the coming weeks, with the US and China to follow in December. For Zespri Green, we expect to sell more than seven million trays from Italy and Greece this season with sales underway as soon as New Zealand sales have wrapped up in the coming weeks,” said Kirton.
“We’re looking forward to providing customers and consumers with high-quality, great-tasting kiwifruit as we move from New Zealand-grown to Northern Hemisphere-grown fruit Zespri branded kiwifruit."
Kirton added that ZGS played a critical role in Zespri’s efforts to provide customers and consumers with premium Zespri Kiwifruit for all 12 months of the year. It helped maintain shelf space until the New Zealand season started again and supported returns for its New Zealand and offshore growers.
Zespri’s Global Supply programme was established around 25 years ago and has involved working with around 1,500 Zespri growers offshore.
In response to increasing demand and intensifying competition, Zespri has asked New Zealand kiwifruit growers to support expanding its ZGS business via a Producer Vote.
Growers have been asked to support the allocation of up to 420 additional hectares of SunGold Kiwifruit per year over six years across Italy, France, Japan, South Korea, and Greece.
The allocation will be reviewed annually by the Zespri Board to confirm that forecast demand remains ahead of supply and that growers will receive annual reporting. Following an extensive engagement process, the proposal has been co-developed with the industry.
