Zespri says export season going well

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.

Zespri International Ltd said all its kiwifruit have been picked and 65 percent of it has so far been shipped to export markets which are challenging.

Kiwifruit quality is high, exports are ahead of schedule and sales continue to track strongly despite challenging international markets.

Zespri manages 30 percent of internationally traded kiwifruit. Produce company Turners & Growers has been challenging the kiwifruit exporter's near-monopoly status.

"On the back of a strong and early start to the season we have achieved solid sales volumes in all markets to date," Zespri chief executive Lain Jager said.

"Although we have passed the significant half way mark in a strong position, there are still challenges ahead," he said.

The economic environment would continue to affect consumer spending and competing summer fruit volumes were increasing, he said.

Shipping volumes are 3 percent ahead of the same time last year.

The final 1.3 million trays of Zespri Gold kiwifruit left the Port of Tauranga last week bound for Asian markets.

The Regulus departed the Port of Tauranga carrying around 4618 pallets of kiwifruit under deck and 36 containers, each containing 20 pallets, of kiwifruit on deck. The shipment is due to arrive in Tokyo on August 16.

Export of green kiwifruit will continue through to November 2009.

NZPA

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