The total 2002 season payment adds up to $208million for the year – the first fully deregulated season for the former monopoly board. The result compares to 2001 average returns of $19.75.

'The 2002 season return will be a welcome announcement for many pipfruit growers,' said Enza md Michael Dossor. 'While our total sales volume of just over 8m TCEs was lower than we would have liked, the favourable marketing conditions, coupled with the value of the Enza brand, our solid marketing infrastructure and the solid relationships we have with our customer base, have delivered a positive result for our growers.' Several varieties achieved higher than average returns with Royal Gala making NZ$30 per TCE and Fuji NZ$35. New variety Jazz performed particularly strongly recording average values of NZ$49.

The exporter has just made its offer for the 2003 season to growers, having made 'a few significant changes' on last season.