Industry leader Colin Bond comments on positive market outlook, although potential US tariffs remain a concern for exporters

NZ kiwi Harvest

Image: NZ Kiwifruit Growers

New Zealand kiwifruit growers have had a great experience this season as far as production and harvesting is concerned.

That’s the message from New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated chief executive Colin Bond, who spoke to the NZ Herald as the last of more than 215mn trays of the fruit were being picked.

“Both the growing season and harvest went relatively smoothly, with good growing conditions supporting crop production,” he told the newspaper. “Growers are now eagerly awaiting the prices in markets that they will achieve for their hard work.”

Meanwhile, Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake said the export marketer’s latest NZ sales programme had shown plenty of promise, especially in Europe and North America, with more than half of the anticipated volume already on its way to market.

In the US, however, there are concerns about possible tariffs on New Zealand exports.

Te Brake was quoted as saying that it continued to work with the New Zealand government and partners in the US “to ensure we navigate it effectively and minimise the impact on our growers and to continue to grow the market”.