Zespri™ is participating once again in Fruit Attraction 2026, one of the leading events for the fresh produce sector and a key opportunity to connect with partners, suppliers and customers.
The trade fair takes place at an important point in Zespri™’s global supply calendar, as the New Zealand season enters its final stage and preparations progress for the start of the Northern Hemisphere season.
Against this backdrop, Zespri™ expects a strong harvest in the Northern Hemisphere, with total production estimated at approximately 28 million trays (99,000 tonnes) of Zespri™ SunGold™ kiwifruit, representing a 16% increase on the previous season. The forecast reflects the continued growth of Zespri™’s Northern Hemisphere supply programme and its increasing contribution to the company’s year-round global supply model.
An integrated global supply model to meet customer needs
Zespri™’s Northern Hemisphere production complements fruit grown in New Zealand as part of a coordinated global strategy designed to provide customers with access to premium Zespri™ kiwifruit throughout the year.
By integrating production from different growing regions with complementary seasons, Zespri™ strengthens supply continuity, responds to customer requirements and maximises value across its global supply network.
“Our Northern Hemisphere programme is a fundamental part of Zespri™’s global supply strategy and complements production from New Zealand to ensure our customers have access to premium Zespri™ kiwifruit throughout the year,” says Nick Kirton, Executive Officer Northern Hemisphere at Zespri™. “The continued growth of the programme strengthens our ability to respond to demand, expand market opportunities and generate long-term value for the wider sector.”
He adds: “We manage our supply as one integrated programme, carefully coordinating fruit from New Zealand and the Northern Hemisphere to ensure continuity, maintain quality and meet customer needs throughout the year.”
“Having production in different regions gives us greater flexibility and allows us to adapt to changing market requirements while supporting the sustainable growth of the Zespri™ brand worldwide,” he concludes.
Strong growth in the main producing countries
The positive outlook is driven primarily by growth in Italy, supported by an increase in producing hectares and strong crop performance.
Italy remains Zespri™’s main production origin in the Northern Hemisphere, with output forecast at approximately 24 million trays (85,000 tonnes), 18% more than in 2025.
Meanwhile, France is expected to produce approximately 1.7 million trays (6,000 tonnes), broadly in line with the previous season despite challenging weather conditions throughout the year.
Alongside the growth of Zespri™ SunGold™, Zespri™ Green continues to play an important role in the company’s Northern Hemisphere supply programme. For the 2026 season, Zespri™ expects to source approximately 8 million trays of Zespri™ Green, helping maintain a balanced portfolio and ensuring supply continuity throughout the season.
Positive outlook following a season of variable weather conditions
The positive forecast comes after a growing season characterised by highly variable weather conditions across several Northern Hemisphere production regions. Growers have faced periods of high temperatures in Italy and localised weather events in some areas of France, although the overall development of the crops remains positive.
Good orchard management, technical expertise and continued investment are helping maintain strong production volumes and fruit quality across the programme.
Matteo Lorenti, Head of Europe Supply Chain at Zespri™, explains: “Although exceptionally high summer temperatures have affected fruit size in some production areas, we expect good harvest volumes overall, with a smaller size profile than last season. With harvesting already underway, our focus is now on the start of the commercial season, and we expect packing and sales to begin from week 43 for our European customers, alongside shipments to our export markets.”
“The scale of our Northern Hemisphere programme this year provides a strong foundation for supplying our main European markets, including Germany, Spain, Benelux, France, Italy and Switzerland, while also allowing us to serve selected export opportunities in the United Kingdom, North America and Asia. In North America, currently our main export market, demand for Zespri™ kiwifruit continues to grow, and our aim is to build on this momentum following the strong performance of recent seasons,” Lorenti adds.
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“We are looking forward to bringing this season’s crop to market and continuing to support our customers with a reliable supply of high-quality fruit. The combination of solid volumes, a diversified supply base and growing demand puts us in a strong position as the new season begins,” he concludes.
With strong harvest forecasts, growing international demand and harvesting already underway, Zespri™ enters the 2026 Northern Hemisphere season in a strong position to provide customers and consumers with a reliable supply of premium kiwifruit across key markets worldwide.
