Supplier attributes lower profit forecast to return to typical growing conditions in New Zealand and challenging weather in Australia
New Zealand-based kiwifruit producer-packer Seeka says it expects its net profit before tax for the 2026 financial year to be in the range of NZ$38.0mn to NZ$42.0mn, down from NZ$47.5mn in the previous year.
“This remains an early indication, and the company will update the market should there be any material change,” it said in a statement to the NZ stock exchange.
The group’s kiwifruit harvests across New Zealand and Australia are now substantially complete, it noted.
In New Zealand, the total volume of Class One kiwifruit packed this year was 45.4mn trays, compared with 47.1mn trays in 2025. it noted.
“The reduction reflects a return to more typical growing conditions following the exceptional yields experienced in 2025.”
Volumes for the season were consistent with historic average yields across its key Hayward and SunGold categories, it continued.
“Cost pressure remains elevated, however efficiency gains from recent automation investments are helping to mitigate these impacts.”
In Australia, Seeka said it had harvested 225,000 thousand tonnes of kiwifruit, a 14 per cent reduction from the previous year.
“Expected production growth from new developments did not materialise due to a hotter and drier than usual growing season,” it explained.
