Zespri kiwi supply hit by disease

Zespri's supply of kiwis from Chile and Italy have been seriously affected by disease.
Two thirds of Chilean production and around one third from Italy have been destroyed by disease.

Zespri has had to "adjust" some market values, according to general manager for global supply Simon Limmer, but it was still able to supply key customers. Prices should remain steady despite the drop in production.

Meanwhile Turners&Growers said Zespri could have a "serious problem" meeting demand in the northern hemisphere for gold kiwifruit, because of the diseases.

Zespri's 2009 annual report showed that around 10% of fruit marketed by the company was grown outside New Zealand.

Zespri say the diminished volumes from Chile and Italy are being off-set higher production in other regions.

The reduction in supply from Italy is due to "bacterial canker" and is equal to about 1 million trays, less than 1 per cent of Zespri's total global supply.