Zespri has moved to counter fears that up to half of its kiwifruit crop in New Zealand has been damaged by hail.

Storms struck the Mount Maunganui and Papamoa areas of Tauranga at around mid-day Monday. Luc Clerx, general manager of Zespri Europe said in a statement: “This hail caused no known damage to the crops in the area but was of significant media interest. To date this season start has been the earliest on record with 72 per cent of Gold and 44 per cent of green fruit already harvested and on its way to the markets. The earliest harvest has ensured that there is sufficient inventory to meet the market requirements. All markets are well into their shipping programs and are overall 11 per cent ahead of last season’s volumes.”

Clerx said: “Zespri Europe confirms that the hail will not affect the kiwifruit quality or total volume to its markets. All market commitments will be met and the agreed Zespri volume of superior quality fruit will be delivered to the markets.”