Kiwiflier
Read the latest Kiwiflier newsletter which highlights key industry news and events.
The November 2025 issue of Kiwiflier is available online here.
This edition's key updates include:
- An update on the New Zealand Zespri Kiwifruit sales season as our final charter shipment departs the Port of Tauranga on the MV Whero, bound for Japan (p.1). A highlight is that this year’s New Zealand supply season will see us deliver our largest crop yet – around 215 million trays (770,000 tonnes) of New Zealand-grown fruit – to our in-market teams.
- We celebrate a significant legal victory in China where Zespri has successfully defended the intellectual property rights of New Zealand kiwifruit growers in relation to our court case regarding the unauthorised plantings and sale of Gold3 (p.1).
- Jason’s CEO column (p.2), which highlights the record sales weeks in Europe and the US and a strong performance in our Asia markets as we wrap up the New Zealand supply season, and transition to our ZGS sales season.
- An update on our five-year forecast OGR ranges, which were approved by the Zespri Board in October, following the approval of the five-year plan (p.2).
- An update on the work underway to continue to strengthen grower ownership (p.2.), including a look at the options on the table to support growers into shares; and futureproof the improvements we are making to ensure the solutions we put in place are enduring.
- A reminder for growers to update their bank account and GST details to ensure loyalty payments in 2026 are processed smoothly (p.2.).
- Detail on next year’s Gold3 licence release (p.3), which will see the continuation of the previously successful ascending-price auction mechanism on 1 May, a total of 400 hectares available in the Gold3 Unrestricted Pool at an opening price of $421,000 per hectare (excl. GST), and a maximum bid area of 30 hectares per bidding entity.
- A note that Finishing Off Blocks licence applications are open until 30 April 2026 (p.3).
- A wrap-up of our run rates (p.5) which notes we have now delivered more New Zealand-grown fruit to our customers than in any other complete season.
- A Q&A with Orsero Group Co-CEO Matteo Colombini (p.5.) which looks at how we work together to supply high-quality Zespri Kiwifruit in Europe.
- An update on our Zespri executive team, where we have filled more of the roles within our revised executive structure, including the appointment of our General manager - Global Marketing, Kok Hwee Ng to the role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and our Head of Commercial Finance Carl Cooper, to a new leadership role of Executive Officer – Innovation and Commercialisation. We also announce that Nick Hammond, CEO of Spring Sheep Milk Co, will be joining Zespri as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), effective 1 February 2026 (p.7).
- A look at the momentum being gained in the Northern Hemisphere (p.8), with ZGS teams reporting a smooth start across Europe and Asia.
- An update on Zespri’s upcoming Momentum 2026 Conference (p.9.), which will take place on 25-26 February at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui, as well as info on how to nominate someone for the Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal.
Other articles in this Kiwiflier include:
- An update on Red80
- Highlights of key promotional activity across our markets in China, Europe, and the US.
- Māori growers expand global presence with Zespri launch in Dubai, and a Q&A on collaborative marketing
- An update on onshore and offshore fruit quality for Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit and Zespri Green Kiwifruit
- Sustainability update: our climate-resilient future
- Zespri in the community: Zespri Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure; Applications open for the Ahuwhenua Trophy; Congratulations to the 2025 Zespri Horticultural scholars; Ōtanewainuku Forest grower experience wrap-up
- Shares update: October
- Financial information: Progress payments update; Class 1 fruit and service payments and timings; 2025/26 season grower payment portions - TFSP
- The Month Ahead
- NZKGI update: Gene technology bill – industry update and grower engagement
- KVH updates: Keeping watch on Psa genetics; new photo guide; stopping stink bugs this season
- Upcoming Zespri tours and events: Grower Roadshows; Green Grower Town Halls; Grower Education Seminar; Future Growing Systems Open; 2026 Grower Tours; Zespri 2026 Fishing Tournament.
Ngā mihi,
Zespri Communications
Check out other issues of Kiwiflier here
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