Sales of Zespri-branded kiwifruit worldwide are reportedly holding steady in the face of a tough market as the global recession continues to affect fresh produce markets, with consumers focused on saving and cutting back on luxury goods, the marketer has reported.
As the Northern Hemisphere comes to the end of its summer holiday period, marketing and advertising campaigns will be stepped up to encourage run rates and support a clean end to the New Zealand season, the company confirmed.
Globally, volumes sold to week 34 were up 0.3 percent on 2008. In Europe, Zespri's sales are reported to be 'solid' although it remains clear that overall consumer demand for fruit is lower than in 2008.
'Despite a small revival in the European share market, consumer confidence remains low and a clear saving behaviour is evident, with consumer savings increasing by 5.6 per cent in the first six months compared to 2008,' a company spokesperson commented. 'The fresh fruit market is suffering with 7.8 per cent less being spent in this area than last year.'
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