Lain Jager, acting chief executive officer at New Zealand-based group Zespri, has outlined the company's targets for the upcoming 2008/09 season, with a top priority of delivering returns to kiwifruit growers of at least 65 cents above last year's average per tray return.
Mr Jager, who has stepped into the role on a temporary basis following the departure of acting Tony Nowell, has also highlighted the need to further develop the executive and management capabilities of the Zespri team.
He told the group's Kiwiflier publication that Zespri would also be focusing on securing tangible gains by integrating the supply chain from the coldstore to the customer.
'These priorities are challenging in the context of low returns last season and increasing costs through the value chain, but they are essential to deliver on the strategic plan against which the entire Zespri team is accountable to our growers and shareholders,' he said.
'A Key priority for me is to continue working with suppliers to develop further integration in the supply chain,' he added. 'We must do the best job we can to create an ideal combination of customer and crop, matching demand to inventory with as little waste as possible, in order to maximise orchard gate return.'
Mr Lain noted that the current season was well underway with sales volumes ahead compared with the same period last year. 'Over 40 per cent of the crop has now been shipped and our in-market teams have started the season exceptionally well, on the back of a strong early shipping schedule and favourable foreign exchange conditions.'
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