As 2001 closed, Zespri executive chairman Doug Voss reflected on a year that began as a challenge following the 'season from hell' of 2000. By December last year, Zespri had notched up a record year for sales in Europe with an increased return for suppliers, higher volumes sold and 'positive progress on our business growth strategy,' said Voss.

A record 40 million trays of Zespri fruit were sold across Europe as the season drew to a close in November. Overall volumes in the continent were seven per cent up on 2000 with prices two per cent stronger and net revenue an impressive 10 per cent above 2000.

Zespri Green performed better than newcomer Zespri Gold with volumes nine per cent up on 2000 and prices four per cent ahead. Gold sales finished a disappointing 20 per cent lower than in 2000 despite increased volumes. Quality problems were the main issue and although prices were 11 per cent lower than in 2000 for the newer variety, prices were still 17 per cent higher than those averaged by Zespri Green.

'It is a tribute to our industry that we could turn around such an inauspicious beginning and end the year on a high note,' said Voss.

He is hopeful of the prospects for 2002 now that the northern hemisphere season is in full swing. Zespri branded Italian kiwifruit went on sale in Europe in December. And with a timely end to the New Zealand season in November, the clear marketplace has given northern hemisphere marketeers a clean start to their campaign. The New Zealanders hope northern hemisphere fruit will continue to move in strong volumes at relatively high prices paving the way for their start in June 2002.

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