18 Aug 2010

Zespri forecasts increased return to growers

1:57 pm on 18 August 2010

Zespri is forecasting an increase in returns for growers this season.

The kiwifruit marketer says the total returns to growers is set to increase by $22 million compared to last season to more than $856 million.

Zespri chief executive Lain Jager says dry, warm growing conditions this season have produced a great tasting crop which has meant sales have been strong.

He says coupled with lower than usual fruit loss, it has also offset a 34% increase in fuel costs.

Mr Jager says green grower returns are up 35 cents a tray to $7.35 and gold is up 34 cents a tray to $12.47.

He says the modest improvement in green returns would be heartening for growers who have been under significant financial pressure in recent years due to low returns.