Global kiwifruit marketer Zespri has slightly lifted part of its earnings forecast for the country’s battling green fruit growers but warns historic low volumes will force down per hectare returns for most varieties this season.
It had no good news for growers of the bestseller SunGold, with their per tray forecast range falling slightly on the March outlook and their per hectare forecast diving.
The company has just updated its orchard gate returns forecasts on its March guidance, noting an easing in some of the challenges the export sector has faced recently, including improved fruit quality, strong early season pricing and reduced freight costs.
But inflation is still an issue, including in the post-harvest sector, said chairman Bruce Cameron.
Mt Maunganui-based Zespri has the statutory right to export all New Zealand-grown kiwifruit - except to Australia. Global sales revenue last season was $4.03 billion, with $2.47b returned to New Zealand growers. An industry fruit quality problem last export season because of labour shortages and severe weather, and rising orchard costs, made for a disappointing 2021-2022 year, particularly for green fruit grower returns. Industry commentators say some green growers are financially struggling.
