NEW ZEALAND - Just because 2023 is almost over doesn’t mean that Zespri™ Kiwifruit is putting the brakes on its operations. In fact, the company’s growers are reporting improving quality and strong market performance that has led to a record forecast for the 2023–24 season.

“It’s really pleasing to be able to deliver this positive news and to show growers that their hard work and focus on quality is being rewarded in market,” said Dan Mathieson, Chief Executive Officer. “It’s particularly great following such a tough couple of years when growers have been under so much pressure while dealing with the likes of ongoing cost increases, the labor shortage, regulatory changes, and the changing climate.”

With the release of its November forecast for the 2023–24 season, Zespri is showing Green, Organic Green, and RubyRed™ varieties' per tray returns hitting record levels. According to a release, Zespri SunGold™ varieties are up over last season.

Green is a particular standout, with the latest forecasted Green per tray returns at a record level of $9, compared to last season’s final Orchard Gate Return (OGR) of $5.78 per tray. For Zespri Organic Green, the forecast per tray is $12, up from last season’s final OGR of $8.68.

“We’ve received positive feedback from our customers throughout the season on the improvement in fruit quality—our efforts have been really appreciated by them—and they also keep telling us how they want even more of our Zespri Kiwifruit next season,” continued Mathieson. “It’s great to have this confidence in our product and see this demand.”

For Zespri RubyRed, the OGR per tray is forecasted at $26.10, an increase from last season’s final OGR of $22.27. SunGold Kiwifruit returns are predicted at $12.35, above last season’s final OGR of $9.97. Forecasted returns for Organic SunGold are also up at $14.15.

“Our job on quality isn’t done yet, though, and we now have a huge focus on next season—we need to maintain this focus as we look to 2024 when we are expecting to have a much larger crop and likely our biggest year-on-year growth in volume,” Mathieson added. “As we have this year, it’s going to need everyone across the industry doing their part, so we build on the positive changes we’ve made—as that’s crucial to returning more value back to growers. One thing our growers can have confidence in is whatever fruit we can get to market in the right condition will sell and sell well.”

For more harvest updates from Zespri and other industry players, keep an eye on AndNowUKnow.

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