Edible berry of several species of woody vines in the genus Actinidia, native to China
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It's being suggested the pricey cost of our food baskets is great for the economy but bad for our wallets. Food inflation has risen 4.4% annually, the highest in 18 months. Meat, poultry and fish had the biggest increases, while butter, milk and cheese drove grocery prices. Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin told Mike Hosking increases in foods like Kiwifruit and butter is fantastic for New Zealand's economy, but tough for households. Quin says they're doing everything they can, but they can't contain the same costs of energy and people. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwi ingenuity has found a new use for the 50,000 tonnes of kiwifruit that is rejected each year. KiwiLeather Innovations is taking the byproduct and turning it into a plant-based leather alternative. Founder Shelley Houston told Mike Hosking it takes about 500 grams to make a square meter of the alternative leather. She says they're targeting the automotive sector, as brands like Tesla are already using things like cactus leather for their interiors. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zespri's largest-ever crop has topped $5 billion in global sales After some challenging seasons, the kiwifruit company has exceeded their long-term goals by $500 million. The record season saw the sale of close to 221 million trays of Kiwifruit, compared to 164 million the previous year. Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake told Mike Hosking it comes after a decade of investing heavily in the brand. He says they've been able to give good returns back to growers after some challenging years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does it take to deliver sustainable livelihoods for growers, green international shipping, and support healthy nutrition around the globe? In this episode of People Planet Food, host Roger Robson-Williams talks to Rachel Depree, Executive Officer for Sustainability at Zespri International – the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit – to explore these and other topics. Rachel shares her journey to leading sustainability in one of Aotearoa's biggest export industries and offers thoughtful insights on the environmental and social responsibilities facing global horticulture today. For more information about sustainability initiatives at Zespri see: www.zespri.com/en-NZ/zespri-sustainability. To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, head to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest
Dom talks with NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc Ōpōtiki representative Chis Anstis about the 2025 harvest, his career in the kiwifruit industry and the key to a successful kiwifruit orchard. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.
This week in the Niche Cache we celebrate Joe Bell's love for kiwifruit and a Tall Blacks win vs Australia. We debrief the whole basketball series between New Zealand and Australia before breaking down the New Zealand Warriors win vs Dragons. We also dive deeper into the Warriors development system where they have an excellent NSW Cup team once again with plenty of young talent on the rise. Sticking with the deep dive vibe we preview the first leg of Auckland FC vs Melbourne Victory in A-League finals with all the nitty gritty details you need to know. Elijah Just, Chris Wood and Callum McCowatt lead our Flying Kiwis bracket this week and then we finish with a net session to chat through Tom Latham's century in County Championship and wrap up the NZ-A vs Bangladesh A one-day series.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheNewsletter: https://thenichecache.substack.comHook us up with a brew: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecacheSay kia ora: thenichecache@gmail.comwww.theniche-cache.com(00:00) Intro(08:41) Mindfulness(12:20) Tall Blacks & Ferns(28:48) NZ Warriors(01:19:19) Auckland FC vs Melbourne Victory(01:52:00) Flying Kiwis(02:01:35) Cricket
On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated CEO Colin Bond about eclipsing last year's record crop in 2025, the recent EPA decision allowing growers to keep using the agrichemical Hi-Cane and the effect of US tariffs on the kiwifruit industry... He talks with Duncan Humm from NZ Farming about its role in a recent survey which reveals many farmers are rejecting NZ's current ruminant methane strategy, why this is the case and what they'd like to see happen as a result... And he talks with Lester White, Chair of Proprietors of Tawapata South, about its farm, Onenui Station on Mahia Peninsula, being named as a finalist in the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy and its partnership with Rocket Lab. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.
Dom talks with NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated CEO Colin Bond about eclipsing last year's record crop in 2025, the recent EPA decision allowing growers to keep using the agrichemical Hi-Cane and the effect of US tariffs on the kiwifruit industry. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.
On Monday, more than two billion dollars was shaved off the New Zealand share market. Finance Minister Nicola Willis signalled while New Zealand's economy is strong, we won't be immune. One of the companies hit hard by the market slump is Seeka Kiwifruit Industries, it's share price dropped 11 percent. Chief Executive Michael Franks spoke to Lisa Owen.
The national marketer of kiwifruit, Zespri, has forecast exceeding a long held target of $4.5 billion in global revenue for the 2024/25 season.
Kiwifruit and grapes have crashed through the barrier, joining the apple and pear industry and cracking $1 billion for the first time. New Zealand Apple and Pear CEO Karen Morris talks to Mike Hosking about the 27% increase on price per tray. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Three million trays of Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit will be available this season - double last years quota. That's 10,800 tonnes being shipped this year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Wendy Horton, CEO of UVA Health University Medical Center, to delve into her impressive career in academic medicine. Horton, known for her problem-solving skills and steady hand in a crisis, shares her journey from growing up in a rough neighborhood in Southern California to her childhood picking kiwi on an uncle's farm to her leadership roles at major institutions like UW Health and The Ohio State University. She discusses formative influences, including her grandfather and a high school teacher, her early experiences as a pharmacist, and the transitions that led her from clinical practice to leadership in academic medicine. Horton also touches on the challenges and rewards of her current role, the importance of community and teamwork, and tips for effective leadership. 01:09 Pickleball Adventures and Injuries 02:16 Wendy's Career in Academic Medicine 03:07 Early Life and Family Background 06:20 First Jobs and Early Influences 14:22 Transition to Leadership Roles 15:47 UW Health and Building a New Hospital 20:33 Move to Ohio State and Leadership Lessons 24:45 Joining UVA Health During the Pandemic 28:42 Reflections on Career and Leadership 30:32 Family Life and Balancing Priorities 36:07 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The chief executive of Zespri updates the Kiwifruit co-op's latest November price forecast, with record returns predicted for Green and Organic Green fruit. Plus we look at the expansion producer vote underway at the momentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated Farmers is calling for the Government to urgently distance itself from a radical new pine planting proposal released by the Climate Change Commission. ANZ is not going to introduce climate targets for farming customers. And, voting has opened on a proposal from Kiwifruit marketer Zespri to increase plantings of SunGold in other countries. Host of The Country Jamie Mackay joins Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwifruit is starting to bloom in Bay of Plenty, dairy farmers up and down the country are busy breeding the next season's calves, while North Canterbury farms have welcomed some recent rain to break the dry.
Zespri is optimistic for 2025 after what it says has been an encouraging year for growers. Its last charter vessel for the season has left for Japan, expecting to arrive early next month with just over 4,500 tonnes of fruit. The company says Europe has been performing really well, while China has seen a 40% increase in volume. CEO Jason Te Brake told Mike Hosking they're expecting to have more fruit to sell in 2025. He says markets are finishing really strongly, which usually flows into a good start of next year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Labour MP Kieran McAnulty about bipartisan politics, the state of local government and the strong public opposition to the proposed toll for the Manawatu Gorge road replacement highway... He talks with WeatherWatch CEO Phil Duncan about the deluge hitting many parts of NZ, the October outlook and the possibility of a La Nina event... And he talks with Colin Bond, CEO of NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc., about the raft of milestones for the industry being celebrated this year, the current market conditions and what's in store for the upcoming season. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.
The MD of Origin Capital Partners, one of the country's larger corporate Kiwifruit growers, looks at an industry which was worth a record $3.1 billion (up 20%) in export income in the past 12 months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwifruit exports are winning gold this year. Exports were valued at $3.1 billion in the year to August - the highest value point ever. It's a 20% increase from 2023, and $524 million jump. Kiwifruit Growers CEO Colin Bond told Mike Hosking the top destination for green kiwifruit is Europe, while China's the top market for gold. He says Europeans have always recognised the health benefits of green, and China has no shortage of green fruit, so are more keen on new varieties. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand exported a record $3.1 billion worth of kiwifruit in the year to August, a 20 percent lift on the previous season. The figure was largely made up of gold kiwifruit, jumping 24 percent on the previous year to a value of $2.4 billion. Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs Michael Fox says this is great news for growers and businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24th of September, a jury has found Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna. Criminal Defence Lawyer Roderick Mulgan gives his analysis. The Government wants public sector workers to stop working from home and return to the office. What has the impact of working from home had on central Wellington businesses? Backbenchers Pub Owner Alistair Boyce joins the show to explain. Kiwifruit exports have reached a new record value, hitting $3.1 billion in the year ending August. Are growers seeing the returns? Motueka grower Evan Heywood speaks to Ryan. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand exported a record $3.1 billion worth of kiwifruit in the year to August, a 20 percent lift on the previous season. The figure was largely made up of gold kiwifruit, jumping 24 percent on the previous year to a value of $2.4 billion. Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs Michael Fox says this is great news for growers and businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwifruit exports are on the rise, with values now at their highest point ever. Exports for the fruit were worth $3.1 billion in the year to August. It's an increase of just over half a billion from 2023, with gold kiwifruit rising by 24%. Green kiwifruit were up 9.9%. Motueka grower Evan Heywood told Ryan Bridge the number of Ruby Red kiwifruit exported is also increasing. He says it's early days, but the demand is there for a good future in the market. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Turning the Chinese gooseberry into the kiwifruit was one of New Zealand's most successful rebrands in its history. This weekend, the kiwifruit capital of Te Puke is gearing up to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
In today's episode, John and Patrick explore the remarkable journey of the kiwifruit, tracing its origins from the misty mountains of central China, where it grew wild for centuries, to its introduction in New Zealand by pioneering botanists and missionaries. Discover how this once-unknown fruit, initially dubbed the Chinese gooseberry, transformed into a global icon synonymous with New Zealand's lush landscapes and agricultural prowess.Join the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduce
In today's episode, John and Patrick explore the remarkable journey of the kiwifruit, tracing its origins from the misty mountains of central China, where it grew wild for centuries, to its introduction in New Zealand by pioneering botanists and missionaries. Discover how this once-unknown fruit, initially dubbed the Chinese gooseberry, transformed into a global icon synonymous with New Zealand's lush landscapes and agricultural prowess.In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of BusinessJoin the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduce
Constipation is not a fun time, and although there are lots of broad and important strategies that can help manage it, sometimes you just need that final thing to push it over the edge. Enter kiwifruit. It's got a few tricks up its sleeve that just might help you get relief!Click me for show notes!
Hydrogen cyanamide has undergone reassessment from the Environment Protection Authority since 2019, and on Thursday it ruled growers can keep using the agri-chemical, under stricter rules. First Union strategic project coordinator Anita Rosentreter spoke to Corin Dann.
Kiwifruit producer Zespri's profit has dropped 27 per cent but growers have been paid record prices for their output. Zespri reported a net profit after tax of $173.3 million for the 2023-24 financial year - down from $238.7m the year prior. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this means for the sector. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over one million trays of kiwifruit found on a Zespri shipment with a mouse infestation will be destroyed. After mice were found on the company's first shipment to Europe for the season, the company worked to salvage what they could. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains the extent of the damage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dive into the world of sustainable kiwifruit production with Zespri International, the global leader in kiwifruit marketing. Monica Mireles Serrano, Head of Sustainability- Global Engagement & Markets from Zespri International takes us on a journey, revealing how they're leading the charge in sustainability for a brighter future. Discover their mission to foster wellness for people, communities, and the environment through the delightful goodness of kiwifruit. Explore Zespri's comprehensive sustainability strategy, tackling health, environmental concerns, and community welfare head-on. From groundbreaking projects to minimize emissions to developing carbon-neutral kiwifruit and advocating for eco-friendly shipping practices, Zespri is at the forefront of innovation. Learn about the Zespri Innovation Fund, a collaborative effort aimed at overcoming industry challenges with innovative solutions. Plus, uncovers how Zespri is inspiring healthy habits among children and revolutionizing the kiwifruit industry towards sustainability. Tune in for an engaging discussion on sustainable food production and Zespri's pioneering role in the kiwifruit market
We find the Minister of Agriculture and Trade in China and ask him what he's doing there. We also talk about the Methane review, the Woolshed tour and whether he's told the Chinese to keep their hands off our Kiwifruit plants! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ratification of the free trade agreement with the EU is now complete after it gained Royal Assent. Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it was ratified in a small ceremony at the Beehive today - and is now confirmed to come into effect from May. Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs Michael Fox says the timing is super helpful for the kiwifruit industry, after a couple of 'bumpy' years. "We've got about 90 percent of our fruit left to ship- so a really welcome boom for growers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kaahu Birdling and Jordan Popata are supervisors at Thomas Brothers Orchard in Riwaka. They manage their own teams and are embracing every opportunity to learn about leadership and orchard management.
Kiwifruit are looking good in Hawkes Bay. Some flooded vines have died but generally recovery is better than expected. Conditions are very dry in Marlborough so many farmers are offloading stock due to concerns over feed and water levels.
Good times seem to be ahead for kiwifruit lovers. Zespri expects to ship around 193 million trays of the fruit to markets across the globe, a significant increase on last year's 133 million. The quality issues that were seen last season have been vastly improved, Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson telling Mike Hosking that there's been an industry-wide effort to get things under control. He said that there's been a strong demand across the Asia Pacific, China, and Europe, customers excited for that first shipment to arrive. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson is stepping down from New Zealand's biggest kiwifruit exporter to pursue overseas opportunities. Mathieson has led Zespri for over seven years, and will stay on until the end of the 2024 harvest, before joining up with American-based berry company Driscoll's. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HEALTH NEWS · Omega-3 improves cardiometabolic blood values in sulfonylurea-treated patients · Fatty foods can impair the body's response to everyday stress, research suggests · Kiwifruit consumption before sleep improved sleep onset, duration, and efficiency in adult patients. · Study suggests greeting strangers can boost happiness levels · Older organs accelerate aging in transplant recipients · Young age at first menstrual cycle linked to heightened diabetes risk in mid-life
The Chairman of Zespri has some good news for the beleaguered primary sector. Kiwifruit is swimming against the tide with record-high returns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A fruitful season's in the wind for Kiwifruit growers this year. Zespri's seasonal November forecast projects record returns for all its fruit crops. The fruit company is putting it down to growers' efforts to improve quality, despite harsh conditions in recent years. Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs Michael Fox says strong market demand, respect for the brand and strong supply chain partnerships will boost Zespri's returns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Prime Minister John Key is taking Zespri's kiwifruit fight straight to top Chinese politicians. Zespri filed a civil case in China's Intellectual Property Court in August, against parties it claims are growing unlicensed golden kiwifruit. Key has since spoken with China's foreign affairs minister Wang Yi on a business trip to Beijing to ensure Kiwi farmers have confidence their intellectual property is protected. The Country's Jamie Mackay says China's unlicensed growth is a threat to Zespri's sales, as 25 percent of their total sales come from the region. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Rural Contractors body wants the new government to make it easier to get skilled workers and the seaweed sector is hoping some changes will be made so it can grow and profit from the lucrative wild algae, which is worth more than $20 billion a year globally.
This often brown, often fuzzy fruit got its name thanks to a marketing campaign in the 1950s. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and botany of kiwifruit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With crops in different conditions across the East Coast, the ongoing challenge is how to salvage what may be left and planning for next season. Grower Hugh Findlay speaks to Jesse.
Wet conditions across much of the North Island are causing headaches and heartbreak for some, while the South Island is recording boomer seasons in parts, thanks to the wet. Kiwifruit harvest has been bleak, while the shortest day has marked the slowing down of grass growth.
News from the business sector Kiwifruit marketer Zespri's profit has fallen more than a third as sales volumes fell and costs rose. A Wellington-based tech company behind a carbon footprint calculator says it's disappointing that uptake has been slow among New Zealand banks. Buy New Zealand Made is using artificial intelligence software to help protect the kiwi country of origin logo, as well as that of its clients.
Kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty town of Katikati have been left badly damaged, after a tornado ripped through on Tuesday. One family were sheltering inside as the ferocious storm took out trees and poles, causing thousands of dollars of damage.
Assessment of damage is underway in Pukekohe after a deluge of rain saw onions floating down the street and farms turned into lakes. Kiwifruit vines and structures have also been wiped out - while parts of the South Island start preparing for a drought.