Zespri's Northern Hemisphere SunGold kiwifruit season has concluded with decidedly positive results, recording a significant increase in overall volumes and, at the same time, a significant expansion of product availability on international markets, thus concretely strengthening the strategy of year-round supply continuity. In this context, Italian-origin produce played a particularly important role, remaining available until the end of March and helping to increasingly achieve the goal of nearly continuous twelve-month coverage, gradually aligning with the start of the new New Zealand season. Overall, the Northern Hemisphere program delivered 24,7 million trays, equivalent to over 87 tonnes, marking an increase of approximately 24% over the previous season. This result reflects increased production in several areas and greater coordination across the supply chain.
This performance was supported by the main producing countries involved in the program—including Italy, France, Greece, South Korea, and Japan—against a backdrop of progressively strengthening the global production base and greater integration between the various regions. "It was a particularly positive season," commented Nick Kirton, Executive Officer of Northern Hemisphere, "characterized by strong volume growth and an extension of SunGold kiwifruit availability, with Italy approaching nearly continuous twelve-month supply coverage." Italy remains the cornerstone of the group's European strategy, having contributed over 20 million trays, equal to more than 70 tons, an increase of approximately 27% year-over-year, supporting both the expansion of volumes and the extension of the marketing window.
This result, in addition to reflecting the entry into production of new orchards, also highlights the gradual recovery from the kiwifruit decline, a phenomenon that had significantly impacted national production capacity in previous years. Particularly significant was the performance in the final phase of the season, during which volumes delivered increased from just over 400 trays to approximately 2,2 million, signaling a marked improvement in supply management and the ability to maintain market presence until the final months of the campaign. On the export front, Europe shipped a total of 2,7 million trays, with the United States remaining the primary destination market, followed by China, Hong Kong, and Canada, demonstrating solid and well-distributed international demand.
The program's expansion in the Northern Hemisphere is also part of a structured expansion plan, approved by producers in 2024, which calls for the allocation of 420 hectares of new SunGold plantings annually over a six-year period, with the aim of supporting growth in line with demand. A second tranche, finalized at the end of 2025, focused specifically on Europe, with new acreage allocated for 260 hectares in Italy, 40 hectares in France, and 120 hectares in Greece, further strengthening the continent's role in the global strategy.
Greece represented one of the most significant developments of the season, with the launch of the first commercial production of SunGold kiwifruit, following the encouraging results achieved in pilot programs and building on the experience already gained with Green kiwifruit. The country's entry into the production network contributes to expanding and diversifying the European base, improving the overall resilience of the supply chain and supporting the goal of continuous year-round supply.
At the same time, Zespri has continued to invest in improving logistics performance, with a specific focus on accelerating delivery times, reducing operational complexity, and maintaining consistently high quality standards. Among the most significant initiatives is the advancement of the direct delivery model, which allows products to move more efficiently from packinghouses to end customers, reducing intermediate steps and shortening transit times.
This evolution translates into a more reliable distribution service and greater product freshness on the shelves, increasingly crucial factors in international competition. "The momentum we've seen," Kirton added, "gives us confidence in future results and in further strengthening the program in the Northern Hemisphere," emphasizing how the progress made represents a solid foundation for the coming seasons.
With the Northern Hemisphere campaign now concluded, the transition to New Zealand production is already underway, with the first volumes en route to global markets and operational structures committed to ensuring a smooth start to the new season. Overall, the 2025/26 season confirms the strength of Zespri's integrated model and the growing complementarity between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, in an increasingly strategic production and commercial balance to meet constantly evolving global demand, increasingly focused on supply continuity.
