Blueberries Could Be NZ's Next $150m Horticultural Export
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
It says the result was primarily driven by revenues from the release of 400ha of SunGold licence in 2017, as part of Zespri’s continuing programme to fulfil consumer demand.
The total dividend returned to shareholders was 76 cents per share, versus 25c/share in the previous season. The payout included an additional interim dividend of 50c/share to distribute most of the funds generated through the 2017 SunGold licence round.
Sales volumes through the non-New Zealand supply segment, that enables Zespri to supply consumers with kiwifruit 12 months of the year, fell by 8%.
Supply of Green was reduced because of a damaging frost in Italy. However, SunGold sales in Italy increased to offset the fall, with the Zespri Global Supply business recording total sales revenue of $264m, up from $217m in 2016-17.
Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson says they anticipate record production of NZ and non-NZ kiwifruit this year driven by increasing supply of SunGold and a recovery in supply of Green.
“Our challenge is to continue to lift our performance by staying focused on improving the execution of our brand-led, consumer-focused strategy, supported by excellence in marketing and strong, connected partnerships with growers, suppliers, distributors and retail partners.”
