24 May 2013
Rt Hon John Key Parliament Buildings Private Bag 18041 Wellington 6160 New Zealand
Dear Prime Minister
NZKGI Supports New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry Structure
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) is the national representative body for New Zealand’s kiwifruit
growers.
We note with some concern the current media coverage on the kiwifruit industry and Zespri’s historical duty issues with
its China importer.
Kiwifruit growers and the kiwifruit industry’s future success in a very competitive world market rely on the
continuation of the single desk.
As this country’s kiwifruit grower representative body, NZKGI can assure you that growers overwhelmingly support the
current industry structure and Zespri as its marketer. Zespri’s historical issues in a single market do not diminish
growers’ support for the single desk selling model.
Despite the historical issues, Zespri’s business in China grew to over $100m in 2012, and growers know the future market
potential is huge. This market’s potential value will be unlocked by the leverage and scale we achieve though our single
inventory approach.
Zespri’s historical issues are before a court in China. On behalf of growers, who are rightly concerned, NZKGI is
conducting an Inquiry into those issues. Growers expect answers from Zespri’s management and Board that will reassure
growers that any management and governance issues that may have led to the current court case have been dealt with.
In the meantime growers are heartened by the continued increase in sales into growth markets such as China. These new
markets have a vital part to play as growers battle to overcome and recover from the effects of the vine disease Psa.
Thank you to the Government for its continued support for our industry, including the recent enactment of the National
Psa-V Pest Management Plan (NPMP). The NPMP is another tool that will enable the kiwifruit industry’s continued
contribution to New Zealand’s future prosperity.
Yours sincerely
Neil Trebilco President
ENDS