NEW ZEALAND - Are you registered to vote? I'm speaking of the Producer Vote that Zespri™ is holding as it seeks grower approval to expand the Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) business. Voting will open on November 11 and close on December 5.

“Zespri’s priority is to create value for New Zealand growers. We do that through an outstanding product and brand and also by listening to our markets and delivering what they want and see value in,” said Jason Te Brake, Chief Executive Officer. “What’s clear is that our markets want more of Zespri’s high-quality fruit, and they want it year-round. Competitors have seen this opportunity too, and are building their own brands and supply to take market share.”

A press release explained that the resolution will ask growers 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.

Expanding offshore plantings is important in continuing to deliver value to growers and reflects both the positive outlook for kiwifruit and an increasingly competitive category, the release added.

“The expansion of ZGS is a critical part of how we will meet this demand and respond to the growing challenge of more competition, which we expect to continue to increase in the years to come,” shared Te Brake.

For the vote to be successful, it requires support from at least 75 percent of producers who vote, both by number and weighted production. Results will be announced in mid-December.

“It will help us maintain our current position as leaders in a very dynamic category, which will support New Zealand grower returns into the future,” Te Brake concluded.

The resolution reflects significant grower input, industry feedback, and the need for Zespri to expand in line with forecast demand to protect grower returns. Zespri has had offshore production for almost 25 years to complement New Zealand supply.

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