Early Indications Very Positive On Zespri Crop

Early Indications Very Positive On Zespri Crop

ZESPRI International has completed its first Crop Estimate for the 2003 season and the early signs are very positive.

Priority has been given to gaining more robust crop forecast data. With an increased number of monitor orchards and a slightly later crop estimate date (by two weeks), ZESPRI is confident the 2003 estimate gives an accurate picture of the season ahead.

Not withstanding the impact of unseasonable spring frosts and hail last year, present indications suggest a good ZESPRI™ GREEN Kiwifruit crop, with tray volumes up by almost 5%, along with larger sized fruit

The ZESPRI™ GOLD Kiwifruit crop has taken a large leap in volume, T/E’s expected to be up to almost 9 million, (8 million T/E’s in 2002) and is of a large profile.

ZESPRI™ORGANIC also looks to have larger fruit than last season with tray numbers similar to the 2002 season.

Early market prospects are very encouraging with Northern Hemisphere fruit selling through well, with prices easing back slightly.

It’s anticipated that the appreciating New Zealand dollar will have an impact on grower returns despite strong market indicators and ZESPRI’s effective foreign exchange cover. The size of that impact can’t be determined until the start of the season and the foreign exchange rates relative at that time.

The focus for 2003 is to continue to optimise returns on the new season’s crop and push strategic initiatives.

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