Port of Tauranga, Zespri and TKL agree strategic partnership to grow kiwifruit exports

Port of Tauranga Limited, Zespri and Tauranga Kiwifruit Logistics (TKL) have signed a five-year partnership to grow cargo volumes through the Port.

Kiwifruit exports are expected to increase more than 2% a year through to 2029 as the size of Zespri’s annual harvest continues to expand.

Port of Tauranga Chief Executive, Leonard Sampson, says the partnership puts the kiwifruit export industry in the perfect position for growth.

“The agreement solidifies our shared interest in the success of the sector and ensures we are collaborating to manage peaks and other challenges,” he said.

Zespri Head of New Zealand Supply, Lorry Leydon, says the strategic agreement between Zespri, the Port of Tauranga, and TKL is critical in delivering the growth the kiwifruit industry has planned over the next five years and ensuring it continues to deliver high-quality kiwifruit to global markets.

“Having key partners who are aligned to our strategy and values puts us in a great position to deliver sustained growth and value to the kiwifruit industry and the wider community.”

TKL operates a coolstore at the Port’s Mount Maunganui wharves and handles the loading bulk and containerised kiwifruit on refrigerated charter vessels.

Last season, the majority of the more than 190 million trays of New Zealand-grown kiwifruit was exported via Port of Tauranga, with about half shipped on dedicated charter vessels and the balance in containers.