05 Mar 2026

March Kiwiflier 2026

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The March 2026 issue of Kiwiflier is available online here.
 

This edition's key updates include:

  • The release of the final forecast for the 2025/2026 season (p.1) which indicates forecast per hectare returns at record levels for all Zespri Kiwifruit categories, and shows we are on track to provide strong value to growers and shareholders
  • Highlights from Momentum 2026 (p.1., 2, 4, and 5), including:
    • the formal launch of our 2035 Strategy (p.2.) which is anchored around three key priorities to guide investment and decision making over the next decade as we work to achieve our ambition of becoming the world’s healthiest fruit brand: 1) unleash brand-led demand; 2) transform global supply; and 3) create the product portfolio of the future
    • our updated sustainability targets and Climate Change Transition Plan (p.4)
    • the Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal Gala Dinner (p.4) which saw Peter Ombler being recognised for his outstanding contribution to the kiwifruit industry
    • a wrap-up of key activities and workshops which brought together the industry as we look to deliver even more high-quality, healthy, naturally-nutritious fruit in the years ahead.
  • Jason’s CEO column (p.2) which reflects on Momentum 2026 and looks ahead to this year’s harvest which is shaping up to be another large one – with around 220 million trays of fruit expected. He also notes the focus on maintaining and lifting fruit quality to maximise value to growers.
  • Further detail on the 2026 licence release (p.3), including important dates, how to apply online, and key tips and resources
  • How we are working to strengthen grower ownership of Zespri (p. 6 and 7) including our indicative roadmap to help achieve our Board-approved target of at least 80 percent of New Zealand growers owning Zespri shares by 2035, and detail on key initiatives being rolled out to support more growers into shares
  • Detail on a key change to LaS and DaS eligibility following the Board confirmation that both initiatives will be offered again this year, and the proposed 2026 timeline for these share offers (p.7.)   
  • Highlights of key market activity (p. 8 and 9), including a sales update, key campaigns in Germany, APAC, and the UK, and insight into a recent global survey which shows Zespri global customer satisfaction is on the rise.
  • An update on our ZGS Northern Hemisphere end-of-season activities, which has resulted in record-breaking volumes and successful direct delivery programmes as expansion continues into international markets (p.10). We also take a look at work underway on Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit orchards in the Northern Hemisphere to prepare for budbreak.


Other articles in this Kiwiflier include:
 

  • Shares update: February
  • Financial information: 2025/26 progress payments for March and April; Class 1 fruit and service payments and timings; 2025/26 season grower payment portions; Full-year forecast return and OGR
  • Grower payments booklet now available
  • MCS update
  • 2026 Pool Distribution Policy for Hail Damage – covered canopy reduction: reminder to update Spray Diary
  • The Month Ahead: March
  • KZKGI update: New Zealand kiwifruit harvest underway
  • KVH updates: Industry reporting in action; harvest hygiene tips
  • Reminder: Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme scholarship applications
  • From the Field Q&A
  • Upcoming Zespri tours and events: Grower Roadshows, KBC Tour.

Check out other issues of Kiwiflier here