NEW ZEALAND - A major win was announced this week for kiwifruit exports from New Zealand to Europe. With the wholehearted support of Zespri™, New Zealand has signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, which includes the removal of tariffs on New Zealand kiwifruit exports to the EU upon entry.
“This is a strong deal for a wide range of exporters, including New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, and we’re really pleased to see it finalized,” Zespri Chairman Bruce Cameron said. “The FTA will set us up to expand our exports to Europe, providing more European consumers with the highest-quality Zespri Kiwifruit and helping deliver strong returns for our growers.”
According to a press release, Zespri paid around $46.5 million in tariffs on sales of more than $1 billion into the EU last season.
“As a purpose-driven company with a focus on helping people, communities, and the environment to thrive, we also welcome the continued focus on sustainability as Zespri moves toward having 100 percent recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025 and being carbon neutral to consumers by 2035,” Cameron states.
Cameron goes on to note that Europe is one of Zespri’s largest markets, and the company remains committed to deepening its relationships in the region.
“We partner with a number of growers in Italy, France, and Greece to produce Zespri Kiwifruit as part of our strategy to establish [a] 12-month supply of our fruit. This enables us to maintain our brand presence but also deliver strong returns to local communities and help create local jobs and investment,” Cameron added. “We also work together on biosecurity issues, ensuring that growers in both regions are better protected from pests or disease, and we’re really proud of that contribution here.”
The agreement is expected to strengthen Zespri’s ability to deliver positive outcomes in Europe and New Zealand, acknowledging the hard work and leadership of trade negotiators and the ambition of political leaders.
“Their leadership on improving trade ties to underpin growth and prosperity and to build stronger international connections has never been more important and this agreement is a strong platform to allow us to continue to do so,” concluded Cameron.
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