21 Nov 2012

Offshore kiwifruit demand still strong

12:39 pm on 21 November 2012

Zespri says international demand this year for both green and gold kiwifruit from New Zealand has been stronger than expected and returns are up on last year.

Chief executive Lain Jager says sales have all but finished and given the global economic climate, the company is pleased with the outcome of all its marketing campaigns.

He said sales have been particularly robust in Europe and also in Asia.

On one hand, returns for gold per tray increased on last year by more than $2 to $9.90, but exports of all varieties of gold kiwifruit dropped from 30 million trays to 22 million.

Because of PSA, Zespri has been obliged to send less to the United States.