Kiwifruit marketer says action is needed to address infrastructure bottlenecks as export volumes continue to surge
Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake says the kiwifruit company welcomes a new government-led plan to develop infrastructure in its home region of Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, amid concerns over the Port of Tauranga’s current capacity.
“We are already seeing infrastructure constraints and, without action, they will worsen as the industry grows,” Te Brake told the NZ Herald.
“This plan provides greater confidence that bottlenecks will be addressed and gives the industry more certainty to invest to meet future demand, while continuing to deliver value back to growers and the communities they support.”
More than 80 per cent of the group’s New Zealand kiwifruit is grown in the region, with the vast majority shipped out of Tauranga.
Zespri’s primary concern is that the port is approaching capacity limits at a time when its kiwifruit exports are increasing fast.
Without additional berths, expanded capacity, and major improvements to transport infrastructure that links the port to its growing areas, it could face higher costs, delays and restrictions that limit the industry’s long-term growth.
The marketer’s international sales revenue topped an unprecedented NZ$5.9bn (US$3.4bn) from record sales of 248.1mn trays last year, up from NZ$5bn and 220.9mn trays respectively in 2024.
