The release decision comes despite returns from gold varieties falling six cents per tray in the October forecast from the prior one to $8.21, the same as last year's final return. That equates to an average $93,984 per hectare.
Zespri's profit forecast range for the 2017 financial year of between $66m to $71m includes licence revenue of $50.2m after tax from the release earlier this year of 400ha of Gold3. The total fruit and service payment across all pools is forecast at $1.3 billion.
The board also approved yesterday a fully-imputed interim dividend of 8 cents per share for payment on December 9 and approved a forecast dividend range for the full year of 18 to 22 cents per share.
No deferred payment options will be offered to growers for the 2017 Gold3 release and the 20ha maximum bid area is unchanged. There will also be 200ha available, as there was last time, for cutover from existing Green or Green14 variety kiwifruit growers.
The bid process will open in February 2017, close in March, and successful bidders notified by mid-April. Several other process improvements will be implemented, the board said.
Zespri shares last traded at $3 on Unlisted, having hit a high earlier this year of $3.50.