Zespri’s monopoly powers should be revoked, according to the 2025 Taskforce.

The group, created to generate ideas to close the income gap between New Zealand and Australia by 2025 said the legacy of the old monopoly producer boards is anachronistic.

“Competitive markets need to be promoted, not forestalled by government fiat,” the report stated.

“We are not persuaded by the test that the monopoly should only be removed when a majority of growers favour such a change.”

Zespri has since come out with a statement suggesting the 2025 reported is "completely unacceptable."

Zespri chairman John Loughlin said the recommendation would lead to a significant productivity drop and a reduction in New Zealand's export earnings.

Agriculture Minister David Carter is responsible for instigating any change to the rules that protects Zespri’s export monopoly status.

His response this year to questions posted by fresh produce processor Turners & Growers which is pushing for reform in the industry, left it in the hands of the industry.

Essentially, if there was wide kiwifruit grower appetite for change, it would be looked at.

However, the taskforce said in its report that it was not clear what public policy interest would justify a Zespri monopoly that prevented growers from selling their own fruit overseas themselves or through other companies.

“The vines are the fruit are private property. In successful market economies governments need a compelling public interest case to constrain property rights in such a way.”

Turners & Growers chairman Tony Gibbs, who has attacked Zespri’s position in the Auckland High Court this year with a statement of claim that said the company was acting unlawfully, said the report highlighted the need for a principled approach and political leadership on the issue.

“The report underscores the fact that the future of the kiwifruit industry is a future of competition and innovation and Zespri’s monopoly is not part of that future.”