Zespri has released its first full forecast for the 2026 season, with strong value expected to be returned to growers from a record crop of 225 million trays.
Average per hectare returns are forecast to exceed last year’s record returns for all categories other than Green and Organic Green.
© Zespri International Ltd
Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake says the forecast per hectare returns reflect this season’s increased yields and the value secured across global markets, despite a more challenging market environment.
Forecast per tray returns remain within the indicative ranges provided in June. Green and Organic per tray returns reflect demand, lower Green volumes, and the expectation of a shorter selling window this season. SunGold forecast returns reflect a more challenging market environment, with increased competition from summer fruit, pricing pressure across parts of Asia, and a larger-than-expected crop.
Mr Te Brake says that, with more fruit to sell, the focus has been on managing the allocation of this year’s crop to support grower returns.
“There’s continued demand in North America, which is helping offset some of the pressures we’ve seen from a more challenging market environment this season.
© Zespri
“In recent weeks we’ve also seen signs of improvement in Europe as summer fruit exits the market, with our teams focused on closing out the season as strongly as possible.
“Quality remains our major focus as we move through the second half of the sales season, with our teams looking to manage this through market allocation and inventory management, and by working closely with our suppliers and customers so that we can maximise value for growers.”
2026 August OGR Forecast per tray and per hectare returns.
For more information:
Anna Cross
Zespri
Tel: +64 27 316 7777
Email: [email protected]
www.zespri.com
Publication date:
Wed 19 Aug 2026
