Optimism as Psa's impact softens

Neil Trebilco says the kiwifruit industry has turned a corner and grower confidence is better than 12 months ago.

Gold kiwifruit volumes are expected to be up 20 to 30 per cent on last season and will increase further next year.

The industry is on the path to recovery following the effects of Psa and that could mean significant benefits for the local economy, leaders say.

Orchards doubling their value over the past 12 months, coupled with record kiwifruit returns, has boosted confidence and prospects for continued growth in the export market were bright.

Zespri general manager of grower and government relations and China GM Simon Limmer says there is a high degree of optimism among growers and the coming season looks positive.

It has been a good growing season for kiwifruit. "We are expecting good volumes and good-tasting fruit of a bigger size," he says.

Last year, about 11 million trays of gold kiwifruit were exported compared with 29 million trays in 2011 but indicators suggest numbers will climb by up to 30 per cent this season, he says.

The tide has turned in terms of production for gold and it is "a very important moment for the industry".

The December forecast for gold kiwifruit was $12.39 a tray and green reached $5.12 a tray. He says that reflects Zespri's drive for good prices and allocations into key markets.

Post-harvest companies have also been passing on savings to growers.

Zespri is building towards a total gold recovery by 2018 when orchards hit full production and potentially 50 million trays or more could be achievable.

Kiwifruit Growers president Neil Trebilco said the industry had turned a corner and grower confidence was better than 12 months ago.

Gold kiwifruit volumes will increase this season and get even bigger next year simply because of more growers changing over from Hort 16a varieties to the new Gold 3.