International kiwifruit marketer Zespri expects to increase its total volumes by a further 10m trays during the next two years, according to chief executive Lain Jager.
Consumer demand for top quality Zespri Green, Gold and Organic kiwifruit is reported to be 'very high' as the New Zealand export season gets underway, with demand for Zespri Gold said to have increased significantly in the Asian markets and demand for Zespri Green continuing to increase year on year.
“Zespri has grown its presence in Europe, China, Japan and North America, and over the next two years we predict total volumes to grow by a further 10m trays,' said Mr Jager. 'Thanks to improved foreign exchange rates, reduced oil prices and a very strong 2009 crop, we are well placed for a successful season.'
As the first shipment of 2009 heads for Japan almost two weeks ahead of last season's start date, Zespri plans to capitalise on an early start to the season in its European and Asian markets.
Mr Jager said the prospects for a positive export season were very good. “We’re delighted with the quality of this early season harvest,' he commented. 'The crop is clean, with good-sized fruit and excellent taste characteristics.'
Harvesting of this year's New Zealand kiwifruit crop began this week, with the first Zespri Gold shipments sent to Japan ahead of schedule, while Zespri Green growers have also started picking.
“Our customers and consumers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of great tasting, high quality, healthy New Zealand kiwifruit,” added Mr Jager.
The first shipment to Japan of 560 pallets, or 140,000 trays, of Zespri Gold kiwifruit is due to arrive in Kobe on 6 April after being shipped from Gisborne on the MV Sasanqua.
The first kiwifruit consignment is reportedly sharing the vessel with a shipment of late-season squash. According to Zespri, the opportunity to share loads provides cost efficiencies and is environmentally responsible, highlighting the group's ongoing commitment to the environment.
The first shipments of Zespri kiwifruit are scheduled to arrive in China mid-April and in Europe at the end of April, even earlier than last season and in plenty of time to capitalise on early-season marketing programmes.
This year, promotions will focus on the health and nutritional benefits of Zespri Kiwifruit, supported by consumer competitions and nutritional campaigns in schools.
Zespri has secured the Sunbelt Spirit, a refrigerated cargo carrier, for the largest ever single shipment of Zespri kiwifruit, below deck to Europe, which is due to arrive at the beginning of May.
The ship will hold 7,300 pallets (approximately 69.5m individual pieces) of Zespri kiwifruit, meaning more fruit can be exported at one time, cutting down on transit times whilst offering improved refrigeration efficiencies.
“Zespri is in a unique position of being one of the few fruit exporters globally who could coordinate this kind of volume to move out of one port,” said Zespri Shipping Manager Mike Knowles.
No comments yet