End of season net returns on class I New Zealand kiwifruit exceed last year's levels across all varieties, reports exporter Zespri. The net end of season return is NZ$455.9million (£132.2m). 'All in all, it's very positive,' said Doug Voss, Zespri executive chairman. 'We're particularly pleased we've achieved a good result for all growers so they can share in what looks to be another great season. The only disappointment is with Gold class II returns, where market demand is very slow.' Zespri is also setting up a new company, as yet unnamed, to develop new business in controlled atmosphere peeled kiwifruit and processed kiwifruit. Another new company, Zespri Fresh Produce, will replace Zespri Trading and take on responsibility for sales of Zespri fruit grown outside New Zealand. It will e headed up by Guus van der Kleij in Antwerp.

The Zespri Group will be moving its head office operation from Auckland to Tauranga, in the heart of New Zealand's kiwifruit production area.

Despite the costs involved, company directors are say that the business's New Zealand operations should be based close to the majority of its shareholders, i.e. in a key growing region. A date for the move has not been announced but will be 'managed to meet business continuity needs,' said Voss.