''The industry has proven itself to be nimble and adapt to change in order to succeed. Ultimately the successful harvest profits not only growers, but the wider community through employment as well as economic contributions.''
In 2019/20, return to growers totalled almost $2b across New Zealand's kiwifruit regions including $1.52b in the Bay of Plenty.
Johnson said the record volume of kiwifruit harvested was a reflection of more vines planted across New Zealand as the appetite for kiwifruit increased.
''While seasonal variability impacts upon the volumes of kiwifruit grown, the industry forecasts a strong increase in volumes over the coming years.''
Meanwhile, kiwifruit pollination is over and small kiwifruit are starting to grow on vines but it was still too early to estimate how many fruit would be harvested.
Moving forward growers should be aware of ''the risks and rewards associated during this boom time for the kiwifruit industry'', Johnson said.
NZKGI estimated 20,000 people would be required to pick and pack the upcoming harvest in the Bay, where more than 80 per cent of New Zealand's kiwifruit were grown.
''In 2021 we will require more Kiwis than ever to step up and join harvest as there will not be as many backpackers in New Zealand as usual due to border closures.''
Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson said in a challenging year with Covid its primary focus had been ''looking after our people and their wellbeing, and getting our fruit to market''.
''It's been a huge effort right across the industry and throughout the supply chain to be able to ensure we could safely pick, pack and ship what has been a record-breaking crop.''
Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson. Photo / File
Mathieson said there were still challenges to be met.
''But our industry has shown that we're very good at coming together in difficult circumstances and adapting. Agility was crucial for us this [last] year – from rewriting marketing plans to using more charter reefer vessels to ship our fruit, our people across the world worked exceptionally hard to deliver our fruit to consumers.''
There had been strong demand across markets and additional fruit was allocated to Europe.
Zespri was also continuing to build towards establishing commercial volumes of red kiwifruit and hoped to establish a Kiwifruit Breeding Centre in partnership with Plant & Food Research.
Mathieson said early indications of the 2021 harvest were promising.
''While it's still early, all indications are that we're looking at another great crop of Zespri kiwifruit next season, with more Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit and Zespri green kiwifruit for our customers and consumers, and a strengthening of our Zespri Red crop.''
Kiwifruit grower Mark Mayston says the season has been good. Photo / File
Te Puna kiwifruit grower Mark Mayston said the season had gone relatively well although the labour shortage was challenging.
Weather-wise the 2020 growing season had been excellent and the returns were pleasing.
Mayston said Covid was still on growers' minds, however it was great to see consumers embracing kiwifruit ahead of some other fruit.
Te Puke kiwifruit grower Don Heslop said the fruit on his vines at the moment were looking very good.
''It's shaping up to be another good season. If we get some good hot weather through the summer that will bode well for us. It's a bit like grapes, if you get some good sunshine hours you get good flavours in your fruit.''
Kiwifruit grower Neil Treblico says it has been a season of ups and downs. Photo / File
It was a season of ups and downs, said kiwifruit grower Neil Treblico.
''But it did not turn out too bad.''
He agreed Covid was a concern and another issue going forward would be water.
This week
Western Bay of Plenty District Council issued a high water warning following "immense" demand in recent weeks.
