Week 11

With March trade well underway, market conditions are running as close to forecast as we could have hoped – values across the board have lifted significantly and $32 to $36 plus OGR levels are now realistic. With local market packing numbers of 20,000, 29,000 and 40,000 trays for Class 2 and Class 3 grades over the last three weeks it isn’t surprising that returns have lifted. The challenge now remains to ensure late season crop flow matches demand to ensure we do not get any spikes in production on a rising value market. If the industry gets this right then we will continue to see further increases over the coming weeks but if we see unannounced production spikes then value could come under pressure. Our prediction is that the status quo will apply for next week before lifting again for the last week in March. We are in constant contact with our late season supply partners to keep the information flow as accurate and up to date as possible.

Personnel Update:

Some personnel information regarding changes to the Zeafruit avocado team.

Friday the 28^th of February signaled the end of an era at Zeafruit.

After close to seven years with Zeafruit Rick Hannay ended his full time employment with us – all is not lost however and he has reverted to a part time – three days per week role.

Since joining Zeafruit, Rick has been the main driving force behind the growth and development of our avocado business; the ability to relax and look at other options on a Monday and Friday is well deserved.

Our business would not look or perform the way it does if it wasn’t for Rick’s continuous search of new supply opportunities, his ability to build positive and lasting relationships across the industry, and his outstanding attention to detail.

Rick will continue however to be a critical part of our team – his role will now focus heavily on the larger supply partners and our early and late season supply network. Danielle will assume management of our avocado operations including all packing and compliance requirements, as well as continuing to manage and grow her current grower supplier network. I will also be involved with a number of our key supply partners in support of Rick. Be assured the Zeafruit team will continue to provide pro-active field services as the transition occurs.

Data Reconciliation:

Zeafruit has recently received queries from growers regarding reconciliation of packout reports with their BCTI payments. For clarification purposes please note that our conversion is generated in the same way that avocados are sold – which is by piece. This may create a variance between some packhouse data and our payments as packhouse data is generated based off a 5.5kg tray net weight/export tray equivalent whereas our payment data is generated on a per piece basis. Zeafruit direct growers with any queries about payment advice conversions please note the table below as a guide or contact Danielle for further assistance.    

Oil Grade Returns:

Whangarei growers who supplied Olivado through Zeafruit on a direct account basis will be paid for this fruit category this week.

Best regards,

Glen and team

Crate conversion table: