Kiwiflier
Read the latest Kiwiflier newsletter which highlights key industry news and events.
The April 2026 issue of Kiwiflier is available online here.
This edition's key updates include:
- The release of initial OGR guidance for the 2026/27 season (p.1), which shows opening forecast returns at similar levels to the 2025 season. Note, this is a preliminary forecast with forecasts updated through the year when there is a firmer view of fruit and market performance, as well as on the scale and duration of the conflict in the Middle East.
- An article on the first shipments of the 2026/27 New Zealand kiwifruit season on their way to key markets (p.1).
- Jason’s CEO column (p.2) which reflects on the progress we’ve made across our early varieties. He also acknowledges the environment we’re operating in, with the ongoing tension in the Middle East creating volatility in fuel markets and broader supply chains, and notes we are work alongside our shipping partners and government agencies to understand potential scenarios and ensure we’re as well prepared as possible to manage risks and protect grower returns. Jason also highlights how our three strategic drivers – unleashing brand led demand, transforming our global supply, and creating the product portfolio of the future – are designed to work together to help us navigate exactly these more complex conditions.
- A feature on our refreshed brand platform, Grown for Good, and how it supports Zespri’s 2035 strategy and ambition to become the world’s healthiest fruit brand (p.2).
- Detail on the Loyalty as Shares and Dividend as Shares eligibility changes (p.3), which explains how growers and shareholders with one share or less per tray of production (a share ratio equal to or less than 1:1) at the end of the opt-out period of 24 June 2026 will be eligible for LaS and DaS this year.
- Updates on the 2026 licence release (p.4), including key information ahead of participating in the auctions.
- We also provide an update on work kicking off on a potential deferred payment share offer (p.5), where we are currently assessing the feasibility of a deferred payment option, considering regulatory requirements, cost, complexity, and the potential impact on the wider shareholder base.
- A look at the rationale for a new green cultivar, as part of our work to create the product portfolio of the future (p.5).
- Key market highlights (p. 6 and 7) – including a sales update; Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit launching in three new markets; and a feature on what’s driving Zespri’s growth in the EU market, with Europe on track to sell more than 100 million trays of kiwifruit for the first time in 2025/26 (including New Zealand and ZGS fruit), generating NZ $2.6 billion in revenue.
- How we’re future-proofing our European supply chain (p.7)
- A spotlight on the role Smart Monitoring plays in the current ZGS season’s activity (p.8).
Other articles in this Kiwiflier include:
- Fruit quality update
- ZGS orchard team updates
- Grower Roadshow wrap-up
- Financial information: 2025/26 progress payments for April; Change to Green Organic progress payment; Class 1 fruit and service payments and timings; 2025/26 season grower payment portions
- Shares update: April
- The Month Ahead: April
- Herbicide use
- NZKGI update: Applications open for BOP Young Grower of the Year; New interactive careers map
- KVH updates: Groundbreaking New Zealand product set to tackle yellow-legged hornets; tackling wild kiwifruit
- From the Field Q&A
- New digital platform coming for kiwifruit growing community
- Canopy AI: What it is (and what it isn’t)
Check out other issues of Kiwiflier here
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