27 Apr 2011

Export bid going nowhere

12:00 pm on 27 April 2011

Turners & Growers says it's got nowhere yet with its latest application to export its own kiwifruit varieties from New Zealand.

The fresh-produce company has new red and gold varieties growing in Italy, France and Chile that it's already selling in northern hemisphere markets.

It's also growing the fruit here but can't export it itself without a collaborative marketing agreement with Zespri, which controls exports to all overseas markets except Australia.

Turners & Growers applied to Kiwifruit New Zealand, but says the application is going round in circles.

A further High Court hearing will be held next month on the company's continue challenge of Zespri's export powers and the regulations.

The company lost its initial case, but has appealed the decision.