According to the New Zealand Herald, Pope said: 'Zespri's ready to change. If you look at their [business and ownership] structures they've made sure they can keep going after deregulation.' Pope has not left the NZ fresh produce scene since serving as head of the NZ Apple & Pear Marketing Board from 1983-1996 and is on the board at recently launched prepared fruit concern Fresh Appeal as well as chairman of HortResearch.

The old-fashioned producer-board structure is thought to be out of step with government ambitions for greater deregulation in New Zealand in recent years. There are also some sectors of the kiwifruit industry which have been unhappy, most recently some growers of Gold who have reportedly resented extra costs for promotion and marketing of their fruit.

Enza has shown an interest in adding kiwifruit to its export portfolio following its merger with sister company at the GPG group, Turners & Growers, a fresh produce supply business.

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