As Italy achieves close to year-round supply, company records 24 per cent increase in counter-seasonal volume
New Zealand-owned kiwifruit marketer Zespri says its Northern Hemisphere SunGold kiwifruit season has concluded with very positive results, recording significant increases in volumes across its Zespri Global Supply programme and an extension of market availability.
Italian-grown product remained available until the end of March, it said, bringing supply closer than ever to the start of the New Zealand season.
Overall, the group produced 24.7mn trays – more than 87,000 tonnes – across Italy, France, Greece, South Korea, and Japan.
That represented an increase of approximately 24 per cent compared with the previous season, driven by increased production in several areas.
“It has been a particularly positive season for our Northern Hemisphere programme, characterised by strong volume growth and an extension of SunGold kiwifruit availability,” commented Nick Kirton, Zespri’s executive officer – Northern Hemisphere.
“Italy, in particular, has come close to achieving almost continuous 12-month supply coverage – a very significant milestone for us.”
Although the company faced some quality challenges at the start of the Italian season, targeted interventions meant it was “particularly pleased” with how the season ended.
“Not only have we managed to extend fruit availability longer than ever before, but delivery volumes in the final phase of the season have increased significantly,” Kirton said.
The increase was from just over 400,000 trays (approximately 1,400 tonnes) to 2.2mn trays (more than 7,800 tonnes) compared with the 2024/25 season.
He added: “This increase in supply highlights the progress we are making and the strength of our supplier and grower network. We also achieved important milestones, including the first commercial harvest of SunGold kiwifruit in Greece and further improvements in terms of speed and efficiency in bringing the product to market.”
Italy inspires
Within that overall performance, Europe – and Italy in particular – played a central role.
Italy remained the main contributor with over 20mn trays delivered (more than 70,000 tonnes), up approximately 27 per cent year-on-year.
This supported overall growth and the extension of the country’s marketing window to almost 12 months.
“This result reflects the entry into production of new orchards and the gradual recovery from the kiwifruit decline, strengthening the momentum of Zespri’s supply strategy in the Northern Hemisphere.”
Exports from Europe reached 2.7mn trays this season. The US remained the primary destination market, followed by China, Hong Kong, and Canada, reflecting sustained demand for SunGold kiwifruit from the Northern Hemisphere in major global markets.
Ongoing expansion
Zespri Global Supply is due to expand further after New Zealand growers voted in 2024 to allow an additional 420ha of new SunGold kiwifruit plantations annually for six years.
A second tranche has been confirmed at the end of 2025, with new acreage allocated in Europe: 260ha in Italy, 40ha in France, and 120ha in Greece.
“This progressive expansion ensures development in line with market demand, while strengthening supply continuity and maintaining high quality standards.”
The season also marked the start of the first commercial production of Zespri SunGold kiwifruit in Greece, building on the experience gained with its green kiwifruit and the positive results of pilot programmes.
That is seen as strengthening Zespri’s European production base and contributing to its goal of ensuring more resilient and continuous supply throughout the 12-month period.
Elsewhere, Zespri said it continued to improve the performance of its supply chain in the Northern Hemisphere, focusing on accelerating delivery times, reducing complexity, and ensuring more consistent quality for customers. Initiatives included further advancements in the direct delivery model, which allows product to move more efficiently from packhouses to customers, with fewer steps and shorter transit times.
Kirton added: “It’s very positive to see this momentum building and gives us great confidence in our continued success in the coming seasons. With the Northern Hemisphere season now over, New Zealand product is already on its way to our markets, and our teams are preparing to support a strong start to the new New Zealand season.”
