Zespri global sales top $5 billion for 2024–25 season amid strong demand
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
One of the country’s largest kiwifruit growers has reported a 44% increase in production this season.
Listed company Seeka has told the New Zealand Stock Exchange that it has packed 43 million trays of class 1 kiwifruit this harvest season, compared to 29.8m trays last year.
Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says the increase is a pleasing recovery after two very challenging years impacted by weather events.
“The additional volume was efficiently processed by our facilities and well within our capability,” he says.
“Availability of labour and automation improvements both contributed to a smooth and effective packing season. Shipping is proceeding well. The impact of the Zespri shipment infested by rodents is not expected to materially impact earnings.”
Franks points out that while the increased trays packed is a signal of a return to profitability, it is too early to accurately predict the financial outcome and to be able to provide reliable financial guidance.
Seeka expects to update the market later in the year.
Franks says the company remains focused on maximising operational earnings, debt reduction, and achieving financial leverage targets.
He thanked all growers, suppliers, contractors and staff for their efforts in concluding the 2024 New Zealand kiwifruit harvest.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.
Keep focused on things that can be controlled on farm.

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