Kiwiflier
Read the latest Kiwiflier newsletter which highlights key industry news and events.
The Christmas 2025 issue of Kiwiflier is available online here.
This edition's key updates include:
- The Zespri’s Board’s approval of the commercialisation of Red80, a complementary red cultivar to be sold under the Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit brand (p.1), as well as key details relating to the Red80 licence (p.3) which will see 100 hectares of Red80 licence available in the next year’s licence release.
- Jason’s CEO column (p.2), which highlights how we’ve delivered a record crop this season and maintained robust sales rates. He also notes Zespri is committed to strengthening practices, increasing transparency, ensuring the right commercial levers are in place, and delivering fruit quality that consistently meets our brand promise, in order to continue delivering sustainable returns to growers.
- An update on our Five-Year Outlook document (p.3.) which will be made available on Zespri.com and here on Canopy in the coming days.
- An introduction to the keynote speakers for Zespri’s upcoming Momentum 2026 Conference (p.3), which will take place on 25-26 February at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui.
- A spotlight on the growth of our USA market (p.4), where volume has doubled over the past five years, from 6.4 million New Zealand-grown trays in 2019 to 11.3 million trays in 2024/25. We also look at what the ‘Perfect Store’ concept means, as part of a Kiwiflier series to explain Zespri’s global sales priorities (p.4).
- An interview with Zespri Executive Officer – Northern Hemisphere Supply, Nick Kirton (p.6) one year on from the expansion of ZGS, to reflect on the progress made — including the rollout of new Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit hectares, an early look at the 2026 allocation, and the commercialisation of Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit in Europe.
- A welcome to the second new vessel delivered in 2025 by Zespri’s long-term shipping partner, Fresh Carriers Co., Ltd – the Ponga (p.5).
- Results from a breakthrough study funded by Zespri and a University of Otago Research Grant which highlights the benefits of consuming two vitamin C-rich Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit per day in boosting collagen production and skin renewal (p.9) – critical research which validates Zespri’s health and innovation programme, delivers tangible value to the industry, and reflects the hard work of Zespri Kiwifruit growers to product nutritious, great-tasting kiwifruit.
Other articles in this Kiwiflier include:
- Change to Green progress payments
- Shares update: December
- Financial information: 2025/26 progress payments for February and March; Class 1 fruit and service payments and timings; 2025/26 season grower payment portions
- 2026 Expressions of Interest for Registered Suppliers
- NZKGI update
- From the Field Q&A
- Upcoming Zespri tours and events: Organic Grower Field Day, Red80 Field Days 2026; Future Growing Systems Open Day; Zespri 2026 Fishing Tournament; February Grower Roadshows; KBC Tour.
Check out other issues of Kiwiflier here
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