Zespri is reporting a three per cent increase in net global kiwifruit sales for the year ending March 31.
The Zespri reported comparison is $1.451 billion in 2008/09 to $1.501 billion in 2009/10.

Zespri is expecting a final dividend for shareholders of 35 cents per fully paid share for its August payment.

New Zealand kiwifruit volumes sold decreased by one per cent to 98.5 million trays. This decrease is attributed to crop management and hail damage.
Average fruit and service payments increased by seven per cent on last year to $833.9 million, and by eight per cent on a per-tray basis to $8.17 across all categories.
Pricing was under pressure, particularly for Green and Green Organic fruit.
Favourable freight costs and positive exchange rate movements counterbalanced this, contributing $37.5 million and $76.5 million to the final return respectively.
Zespri's consolidated net profit after tax is $25.9 million for the year ending March 31, compared with $23.9 million in the year prior.
'Achieving a modest increase in returns in what was a very challenging market environment, reflects the tremendous performance by Zespri, our growers, post-harvest operators and our distribution and retail partners in the markets,” says board chairman John Loughlin.
A final dividend of 35 cents per fully paid share is expected for payment in August 2010, in addition to the interim dividend of 35 cents per share paid in December 2009.
This brings the total dividend for the 2009/10 year to 70 cents per share, representing 78 per cent of distributable profits.

Click here to read about anticipated Zespri returns for the current crop.