02 Feb 2026

January/February Kiwiflier 2026

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The January/February 2026 issue of Kiwiflier is available online here.

This edition's key updates include:

  • Programme highlights for our upcoming Momentum 2026 Conference (p.1 and 3), which will take place on 25-26 February at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui.
  • A reminder to join our upcoming Grower Roadshows (p.1.) from 19 February – 6 March for a season and financial forecast update, a look at our 2035 strategy, Europe market spotlight, an update on our fruit quality strategy, and planning for the 2026 season.
  • A moment to acknowledge the recent Bay of Plenty landslip tragedies (p.1).
  • Jason’s CEO column (p.2), which notes the recent adverse weather-related events and Zespri’s support for growers whose orchards have been impacted. Jason also highlights our strong weekly sales rates to date, and the solid progress being made our Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme, which sets us up well to commence the new NZ Supply season as we continue our focus to deliver value for growers.
  • A look at the key factors in driving the success of the Zespri Green Kiwifruit category in 2025 (p.2) to optimise our Green grower returns.
  • Updates to the 2026 maturity clearance system (p.2) to support the ongoing deliver of high-quality fruit.
  • How we’re planning to use a multi-variety strategy to grow the red category (p.3).
  • Detail on the 2026 licence release (p.4 and 5), including how to apply, key rules, and dates.  
  • Highlights of key market activity (p.6), including a look at the success of the Zespri brand in 2025, how we’re introducing home compostable labels on all NZ-grown Zespri Kiwifruit in 2026/27.
  • A look at how the conclusion of the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in late December, provides benefits to New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, providing tariff relief to the tune of an estimated $128 million over five years (p.7).
  • Zespri’s legal victory in Taiwan, where the Intellectual Property and Commercial Court in Taiwan has ruled in Zespri’s favour in a trademark infringement case (p.7).
  • An update on our ZGS Northern Hemisphere sales season, which is showing steady progress as it moves on from the opening phase and into the core sales period (p.8).
     

Other articles in this Kiwiflier include:

  • Zespri in the community: support of KidsCan; Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme scholarship applications open
  • Shares update: January
  • Financial information: 2025/26 progress payments for February and March; changes to Green Organic progress payment; Class 1 fruit and service payments and timings; 2025/26 season grower payment portions
  • The Month Ahead: February
  • NZKGI launches new website
  • KVH updates: Response to fruit fly detection continues; homemade traps for yellow-legged hornets
  • From the Field Q&A
  • Pre-season residue testing
  • Upcoming Zespri tours and events: Future Growing Systems Open Day; NZKGI Future Leaders Chat with the Chairman; Red80 Field Days 2026; Grower Roadshows, KBC Tour; 2026 Market Tour.   

Check out other issues of Kiwiflier here