'We have the advantage right now of having a co-ordinated industry,' Voss told shareholders. 'That structure makes it possible to build and retain long-term commercial relationships and invite wider participation to retain and extend our market and category leadership position and prevent any other competitor coming even close to denting [it].' Voss singled out the group's 'orchard-to-consumer production and marketing system' as key to its success saying that Zespri's customers trust it and other producers want to participate in it.

Voss also announced at the meeting that he will step down as executive chairman once a new chief executive for the group is found to replace Tony Marks whose contract ends in December.

Marks told shareholders at the meeting that 2002 was also looking to be a rewarding year with fruit being marketed swiftly in key markets. Sales are also progressing strongly in Europe with more than 8million trays sold by the end of last month. This figure is nearly 750,000 trays ahead of last season and prices are stronger. Although sales of green kiwifruit are down on 2001, Gold is performing more strongly thanks to increased volumes coming on stream and the season starting three weeks earlier.

Japan has sold half its planned volumes already at strong prices and TV advertising and related promotions in Japan and other Asian markets were supporting the whole Zespri range.

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