Voting opens at 9am today for Zespri Kiwifruit growers, who are being asked to support the expansion of Zespri’s Global Supply (ZGS) business via a Producer Vote.

New Zealand kiwifruit growers are being asked to support the allocation of up to 420 additional hectares of SunGold kiwifruit annually for six years across Italy, France, Japan, South Korea, and Greece.

The Zespri Board will review this plan annually to verify that demand exceeds supply, and growers will receive annual reports.

Zespri released the Five-Year Outlook document confirming that demand for kiwifruit remains strong, although competition intensifies, Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said.

“Strong demand continues to support New Zealand grower returns and has driven the increased expansion of SunGold licence available to New Zealand growers in 2025 and beyond.”

Zespri needs to fill more of the supply-demand gap in the non-New Zealand season to provide a 12-month supply to customers and consumers, he said.

“Planting more SunGold hectares in the northern hemisphere is a crucial part of our plans to deliver this and to maintain our position in the category.”

In the last few months, Te Break has spent a lot of time on the ground with our customers, and it’s very clear that the world wants more of our kiwifruit.

“But if they can’t buy from us, they’ll look elsewhere.”

The lack of competing globally could put our premium and, ultimately, New Zealand grower returns at risk over time, he said.

“There’s been a huge amount of engagement with the industry on the issue and the proposal, which reflects grower views. There is strong support, and we’re encouraging growers to vote to ensure they have their say.”

- SunLive