Zespri has released its first forecast for the 2026 season, anticipating strong economic returns for growers based on a record volume of 225 million trays. According to the company’s estimates, average per-hectare returns will exceed the historical highs reached last year in almost all categories, with the exception of Green and Organic Green varieties.
Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake explained in a press release that these figures reflect both the increase in orchard yields and the company’s ability to capture value in international markets, despite a complex trading environment. Projected per-tray returns remain in line with the ranges estimated in June, supported by strong demand and shorter sales windows for Green kiwifruit.
Meanwhile, the SunGold variety has had to navigate stronger competition from summer fruit in the Northern Hemisphere, pricing pressure in some Asian regions and a larger supply than initially forecast.
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Faced with this significant available volume, the company’s strategy has focused on a dynamic and rigorous allocation of fruit in order to maximise grower returns. Commercial performance has been supported by sustained appetite in the North American market, helping to offset tensions in other regions, as well as by positive signs in Europe as the presence of local summer fruit declines.
For the second half of the commercial cycle, Zespri will maintain strict control over quality, inventory management and coordinated work with customers and suppliers.
In financial terms, the company forecasts per-tray returns of NZ$9.90 for Zespri Green, NZ$11.50 for SunGold and NZ$17.02 for RubyRed. This would translate into projected per-hectare returns of NZ$99,793, NZ$191,208 and NZ$117,805, respectively.
