Zespri million cartons 2008

Zespri's acting CEO Lain Jager (left) with growers Adele and Grant Fowlie alongside the 100 millionth carton

Kiwifruit marketer Zespri International is celebrating a major export milestone following the shipment of its 100 millionth tray from New Zealand, marking a record season for the country's kiwifruit industry.

As the MV Antwerp vessel set sail for Japan carrying the 100 millionth carton, it also brought the 2008/09 New Zealand kiwifruit season to a close.

The company's acting chief executive Lain Jager praised the 'dedication, expertise and commitment' of the more than 25,000 people involved in the New Zealand kiwifruit business.

'By all accounts this has been an outstanding year so far, starting with an excellent production season where growers delivered fruit to meet Zespri’s premium quality requirements,' he commented during a celebration to mark the occasion at Zespri's Mount Maunganui headquarters in the Bay of Plenty.

'Our industry partners pulled together with Zespri employees to successfully manage the increased volume and we’re confident of a positive finish to the season,' he added. 'Our industry’s unrelenting focus on quality and serving our customers, along with integration and innovation, will underwrite our continued success in the future.'

The celebration was an opportunity for Zespri to acknowledge the roles of its employees, growers (represented by the New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Association), regulatory authority Kiwifruit New Zealand, the Port of Tauranga and the group’s other shipping partners in reaching this milestone.

Lain Jager also introduced Grant and Adele Fowlie, who grew the fruit packed into the 100 millionth tray. The couple own a 10ha Zespri Green orchard and 3ha of Zespri Gold in Te Puke.

'We think it’s wonderful that Zespri can continue to export high volumes of fruit, and still maintain good returns for growers,' said Mr Fowlie. 'We are proud to be the grower of the 100 millionth Zespri tray and recognise Zespri and the industry for this hugely admirable feat.'

Alister Hawkey, chairman of G6 Kiwi Supply Limited and supplier of the pallet that contained the 100 millionth Zespri tray, was presented with a commemorative plaque recognising his firm’s contribution.

'G6 Kiwi is proud to deliver to Zespri the 100 millionth tray for export and congratulate Zespri and the industry in achieving this milestone,' he said. 'This has collectively been a tremendous effort from growers, post-harvest operators, suppliers and Zespri.'

Mr Hawkey also said his company looked forward to continuing to supply a premium product and service to Zespri and its customers worldwide. 'As the world’s leading marketer of kiwifruit, Zespri and the industry should feel immensely proud of its brand, its service and its fruit quality.'

Each of Zespri’s other six kiwifruit supply partners also received a commemorative plaque recognising their contribution towards this milestone.