The NZ Herald highlighted that the main problems facing kiwifruit production this year are meteorological (wind, floods, hail, cyclones) and economic (increased production and export costs). These have been compounded by poor pollination.
According to Colin Bond, Managing Director of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, the last 2 years have been difficult. In 2022, New Zealand produced 175 million trays of kiwifruit and is forecasting only 160 million trays for 2023. But according to Colin Bond, the actual volume will probably be less than 140 million trays.
The outlook is much better for 2024, which should see a large volume of kiwifruit and excellent quality.