Zespri expects Northern Hemisphere kiwifruit production to increase by 16% compared with 2025

Zespri expects total production of approximately 28 million trays (99.000 tonnes) of Zespri SunGold kiwifruit, for the 2026 season, an increase of 16% compared with last year.

A result that confirms the growth of the Northern Hemisphere production programme and its increasingly significant contribution to ensuring the availability of Zespri kiwifruit throughout the year.

A global strategy

Northern Hemisphere production complements production in New Zealand within a single global supply model, enabling Zespri to offer premium kiwifruit to consumers throughout the twelve months of the year.

The complementarity between the different production areas enables the company to ensure continuity of supply, support customers’ commercial programmes and generate value throughout the entire supply chain.

Nick Kirton, executive officer Northern Hemisphere, said: "The Northern Hemisphere programme is an integral part of Zespri’s global supply strategy and operates in close synergy with production in New Zealand to ensure that customers have access to premium Zespri kiwifruit throughout the year. The continued growth of the programme strengthens our ability to meet demand, expand market opportunities and create long-term value throughout the supply chain. We manage our supplies as a single integrated programme, carefully coordinating production in New Zealand and the Northern Hemisphere to ensure continuity, maintain high quality standards and support customer programmes throughout the year. Having production distributed across different geographical areas gives us greater flexibility and helps us respond to changing demand, while supporting the growth of the Zespri brand globally".

Growth in Italian production

The positive outlook is supported above all by the expansion of Italian production, driven by the increase in areas under production and improved productivity of the orchards.

Italy remains Zespri’s leading producing country in the Northern Hemisphere, with estimated production of approximately 24 million trays (85.000 tonnes) of Zespri SunGold kiwifruit, up by 18% compared with 2025.

In France, production is expected to reach approximately 1,7 million trays (6.000 tonnes), a result broadly in line with last year despite the climatic challenges recorded during the season.

Alongside the growth of SunGold, Zespri Green kiwifruit continues to represent an important component of the Northern Hemisphere supply programme. For 2026, approximately 8 million trays (28.000 tonnes) are expected, helping to maintain a balanced portfolio and ensure continuity of supply to markets.

A positive harvest

The positive forecasts come at the end of a season characterised by varied climatic conditions in the different production areas. Despite the high temperatures recorded in Italy and some localised weather events in France, the overall performance of the crops remained favourable.

The experience of the growers, technical support and ongoing investment in the programme helped to ensure good volumes and satisfactory quality levels.

Matteo Lorenti, head of Europe supply chain, said: "The exceptionally hot summer affected fruit size in some production areas, but overall we expect good volumes, with an average size smaller than last season. With harvesting already under way, our focus is now on the start of the commercial campaign and we expect to begin packing, sales to European customers and shipments to export markets from week 43. This year’s programme size enables us to supply the main European markets, including Germany, Spain, Benelux, France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as serving selected export opportunities in the United Kingdom, North America and Asia. North America, currently our main export market, continues to show strong demand for Zespri kiwifruit and we aim to consolidate this growth further. We are pleased to bring this year’s harvest to market and support customers with a reliable supply of high-quality fruit. The combination of significant volumes, a diversified production base and growing demand gives us confidence for the season ahead".

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.