ORANGE COUNTY, CA - 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 CEO Jason Te Brake says the forecast per hectare returns reflect this season’s increased yields and the value that’s been 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-trayreturns reflect strong 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, in the recent release, with more fruit to sell, the focus has been on actively managing the allocation of this year’s crop to help maximize growers' returns.

“There’s continued strong demand in North America, which is helping offset some of the pressures we've seen from a more challenging market environment this season.

“In recent weeks we've also seen encouraging signs in Europe with summer fruit exiting 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 careful market allocation and inventory management, and by working closely with our suppliers and customers so that we can maximize value for growers."

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on IE AAA LLC, d/b/a Citrus World. The company, operating from New York, failed to make prompt payment to 17 produce sellers in the amount of $1,960,321 for produce that it purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from March 2024 to March 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

IE AAA has been barred from operating in the produce industry until June 24, 2028, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA and posts a USDA-approved surety bond. The company’s principal, Olsian Noreci, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until June 24, 2027, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA and impose restrictions on those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For more information, contact the PACA Investigative Enforcement Branch at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - As Oppy welcomes the first arrivals of fresh Southern Hemisphere Envy™ apples, the company is also celebrating a remarkable milestone: 70 years of bringing New Zealand apples to North America.

The season marks seven decades of trusted grower partnerships in a country renowned for producing some of the world's finest fruit. According to a recent independent consumer study by Oppy, New Zealand continues to have a strong reputation among shoppers, with 71 percent of consumers familiar with New Zealand fruit, considering it favorable to alternative sources. Nearly 70 percent are willing to pay a premium for New Zealand fruit, citing better taste, longer freshness, and confidence in food safety, while more than 90 percent rate New Zealand fruit highly for taste and flavor.

With apples arriving first from New Zealand and South Africa before transitioning to Chile later in the season, Oppy's global Envy™ program continues to deliver a seamless, year-round supply of one of the world's most sought-after apple varieties.

"New Zealand has earned its reputation as a world-class growing region through an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and consistency," said Piers Hanbury, executive director of apples, pears and category development, in the recent release. "As we celebrate 70 years of partnership between Oppy and New Zealand growers, we're proud to continue connecting North American consumers with exceptional fruit that consistently delivers on flavor and eating experience. The new crop is looking outstanding and positions us well to support strong retail performance throughout the season.

While kiwifruit remains the fruit most commonly associated with New Zealand, consumer awareness of the country's apple industry is equally strong, with apples ranking among the most recognized and purchased categories. New Zealand fruit also receives particularly high marks for its premium quality credentials, with 88 percent of consumers rating it highly for quality.

For Oppy, the milestone is especially meaningful. The company introduced New Zealand-grown Granny Smith apples to North America in 1956, launching a relationship that helped shape its category leadership today. That legacy is reflected in the 51-year relationship that CEO, Managing Partner and Chair John Anderson has had with New Zealand’s Apple and Pear Marketing Board, helping introduce additional iconic varieties over the years.

Senior Vice President of Categories and Chief Marketing Officer James Milne shared, “As a proud Kiwi, this anniversary is personally meaningful to me. I began my career marketing New Zealand apples and joined Oppy in 1994 to help grow the company's apple business. Since then, I've had the honor of working across virtually every category in our portfolio, but New Zealand apples have always held a special place for me. What started as a bold vision to market apples year-round has evolved into a global supply network that delivers premium fruit to consumers every day of the year. Celebrating 70 years of partnership between Oppy and New Zealand growers is a testament to the strength of those relationships and shared commitment to excellence."

Demand for Envy™ apples continues to grow as consumers seek premium apple varieties that deliver exceptional sweetness, crunch and consistency. Backed by strategic partnerships across Washington, New York, New Zealand, South Africa and Chile, Oppy's year-round supply program ensures uninterrupted availability while maintaining the high standards shoppers expect from the category.