Zespri has welcomed the signing of New Zealand's free trade agreement with the European Union, noting business, consumers and communities in both countries will benefit.
The deal announced today in Brussels includes the removal of tariffs on New Zealand kiwifruit exports to the European Union (EU) upon entry into force.
Mount Maunganui-based Zespri paid around $46.5m in tariffs on sales of more than $1 billion to the EU last season.
Speaking from Brussels, Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron said the agreement would help the company meet the growing demand for its fruit in Europe.
"This is a strong deal for a wide range of exporters including new Zealand's kiwifruit industry and we're really pleased to see it finalised.