Zespri announced its results on July 17 with a net profit of NZ$14.4 million (£5m), double last year's figure of NZ$7.2m. The results have been achieved against a background of frost damage and a strengthening NZ currency as well as recession in important export markets in Asia.

But while other industries suffer, kiwifruit growers have received record returns for five seasons running and this year will earn a dividend of NZ$0.20 per share.

Sales revenue rose by NZ$60m to NZ$860m this year with growers receiving average returns of NZ$8.51 a tray.

Topics