New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry Breaks Record

MEDIA RELEASE 12 November 2008

New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry Breaks Record With 100 Million Zespri Trays Shipped

ZESPRI International Limited announced today that the 100 millionth ZESPRI tray is being shipped this week, marking a record season for the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.

Acting Chief Executive Lain Jager said this is the first time in the history of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry that this many trays are being exported during one season. "This milestone is attributable to the dedication, expertise and commitment of over 25,000 people involved in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry," said Lain.

As well as carrying the 100 millionth ZESPRI tray, the departure of the M.V. Antwerp to Japan this week signifies the end of shipping for the 2008/09 season.

"By all accounts this has been an outstanding year so far - starting with an excellent production season where growers delivered fruit to meet ZESPRI's premium quality requirements," said Lain. "Our industry partners pulled together with ZESPRI employees to successfully manage the increased volume and we're confident of a positive finish to the season. Our industry's unrelenting focus on quality and serving our customers, along with integration and innovation, will underwrite our continued success in the future."

A celebration was held at ZESPRI today to acknowledge the roles of ZESPRI employees, ZESPRI kiwifruit growers (represented by the New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Association), Kiwifruit New Zealand (regulatory authority), the Port of Tauranga and ZESPRI's other shipping partners in reaching this milestone.

Lain Jager introduced Grant and Adele Fowlie, the growers of the 100 millionth ZESPRI tray, who own a 10-hectare ZESPRI(tm) GREEN orchard and 3 hectares of ZESPRI(tm) GOLD in Te Puke. "We think it's wonderful that ZESPRI can continue to export high volumes of fruit, and still maintain good returns for growers," said Grant Fowlie. "We are proud to be the grower of the 100 millionth ZESPRI tray and recognise ZESPRI and the industry for this hugely admirable feat."

Alister Hawkey, Chairman of G6 Kiwi Supply Limited and supplier of the pallet that contained the 100 millionth ZESPRI tray, was presented with a commemorative plaque recognising G6 Kiwi's contribution. "G6 Kiwi is proud to deliver to ZESPRI the 100 millionth tray for export and congratulate ZESPRI and the industry in achieving this milestone. This has collectively been a tremendous effort from growers, post-harvest operators, suppliers and ZESPRI."

"As the world's leading marketer of kiwifruit, ZESPRI and the industry should feel immensely proud of its brand, its service and its fruit quality. G6 Kiwi looks forward to continuing to supply a premium product and service to ZESPRI and its customers worldwide," said Alister Hawkey.

Each of ZESPRI's other six kiwifruit supply partners also received a commemorative plaque recognising their contribution towards this milestone.

ENDS

The ZESPRI(tm) Brand was launched in 1997 and is now recognised as the world leader in premium quality kiwifruit. ZESPRI manages 30 percent of internationally traded kiwifruit, supplies 52 countries and represents over 3,000 New Zealand growers of ZESPRI(tm) GREEN, ZESPRI(tm) GOLD and ZESPRI(tm) GREEN and GOLD ORGANIC.

Did you know:

* 100 million trays of ZESPRI(tm) Kiwifruit would be enough to fill 92 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

* If placed end-on-end 100 million trays of ZESPRI(tm) Kiwifruit would wrap around the world five times.

* The 2008 season shipped more than double the volume of premium quality ZESPRI(tm) Kiwifruit than it did 10 years ago.

* Every minute, all over the world, over 5,000 pieces of ZESPRI(tm) Kiwifruit are being consumed.

ENDS

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