“Our Japan and Korea markets are also set to shift to ZGS SunGold in the coming weeks, with the U.S. and China to follow in December," said Kirton. “For Zespri Green we expect to sell more than 7 million trays from Italy and Greece this season with sales getting under way as soon as New Zealand sales have wrapped up in the coming weeks. 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."
ZGS plays a critical role in the company's efforts to provide customers and consumers with premium Zespri kiwifruit for all 12 months of the year, helping maintain shelf space until the New Zealand season starts again, and supporting returns for the company's New Zealand and offshore growers.
Zespri’s Global Supply program was established around 25 years ago and involves working with around 1,500 Zespri growers offshore.
In response to increasing demand and intensifying competition, Zespri is currently asking New Zealand kiwifruit growers to support the expansion of its ZGS business via a Producer Vote.
Voting runs until midday on Dec. 5, with growers being 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, subject to annual review by the Zespri board to confirm forecast demand remains ahead of supply and the provision of annual reporting to growers. The proposal has been co-developed with the industry following an extensive engagement process.
An overview of the 2024 Producer Vote is available here. Eligible producers can cast their votes at www.electionz.com/zespri24.