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.
Chinese textile company Saibosi has partnered with Wools of New Zealand to put the 'farm to floor' story of New Zealand wool rugs on screen for its customers.
Showcasing the huge range of new technologies and science that is now available was one of the highlights at last week's National Fieldays.
Coby Warmington, 29, a farm manager at Waima Topu Beef near Hokianga was named at the winner of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award for sheep and beef.
Northlanders scooped the pool at this year's prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards - winning both the main competition and the young Maori farmer award.
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The days of rising on-farm inflation and subdued farmgate prices are coming to an end for farmers, helping lift confidence.