Zespri’s final forecast points to record kiwifruit returns for the 2025/26 season, driven by strong global demand

Kiwifruit giant Zespri is forecasting record returns per hectare for all fruit categories in its recently-released final projection for the 2025/26 season. 

Per tray return numbers for the Green, Organic Green, and Organic SunGold varieties currently exceed the top ranges of figures released by the company in November. Green growers, in particular, are seeing trays go for NZD $10 (around USD $6), reports the company.

Meanwhile, per tray returns for the SunGold, Sweet Green, and RubyRed varieties remain in line with the company's previous forecast. This new estimate, the company explains, is the result of strong sales in Europe and North America, along with a positive finish in Asia following earlier season challenges.

In a post published on the company's website, CEO Jason Te Brake explained that strong global demand has allowed the company to sell a record crop of around 215 million trays at a good value for growers. 

“Our Northern Hemisphere supply season is also performing well," he added. "With volumes up 27 percent, our sales window will extend through to mid-March, around a month longer than last season, and with new season New Zealand fruit expected to arrive in market from mid-April, we’re moving closer to closing the supply gap.

With volume covered, Zespri is betting on quality

With early estimates indicating another record crop of around 220 million trays, getting off to a strong season start and managing fruit quality will be key to maximizing and maintaining value in the market.

“We’re focused on getting our sales programs up and running early so that we can capitalize on strong demand for our fruit and reduce the end of season quality risk to our markets," Te Brake explained. "Careful inventory management and getting our fruit into the right markets at the right time is also critical in optimizing grower returns."

The executive also said Zespri plans to increase onshore auditing this season to keep "any poorer quality fruit out of markets." This is part of an industry-wide initiative to improve quality, he added, which reflects the sector's collective response to deliver fruit that reflects the premium brand.

Zespri’s final season results will be published in May.

*All images courtesy of Zespri.

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