2 Jul 2009

No backdown on call to end kiwifruit monpoloy

11:32 am on 2 July 2009

Fresh produce exporter Turners & Growers is remaining defiant over a push for kiwifruit exporter and marketer Zespri to be stripped of its monopoly status.

The export business is worth $800 million per year.

Some agricultural bodies and experts say growers will never support the move as Zespri is a model of excellence.

But Turners & Growers says this is the beginning of the fight and it is confident of getting a change.

Managing director Jeff Wesley says Zespri is holding growers back and costing New Zealand millions in dollars in lost export opportunities through a lack of innovation.

He says T&G is not out to destroy Zespri - only to improve the market.

Mr Wesley says a series of planned roadshows will prove to the industry and the Government that a change is needed.