Fresh produce giant Turners & Growers has cast a shadow on kiwifruit marketer Zespri’s announcement it has new varieties in the wings.

Early this morning Zespri announced the commercialisation of three new types of kiwifruit alongside beginning orchard trials for two more.

After producing glossy booklets slamming kiwifruit regulations and also monopoly exporter Zespri, Turners and Growers has now gone mainstream to assert its opinion.

The fresh produce grower, processor and exporter is at loggerheads with Zespri because it wants to the ability to market and sell its own kiwifruit varieties overseas.

However, kiwifruit regulations prohibit other parties like Turners and Growers exporting of the fruit beyond Australia.

Horticulture NZ is pushing for more information on the latest pest to breach the border – the hadda beetle.

In addition, HortNZ has requested a stakeholder advisory group be created to ensure communications between the horticulture industry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand were optimal as well as providing the means for growers to have input in key decisions.

Primary sector exporter Scales Corporation is providing food for thought for investors keeping an eye of Timaru tycoon Allan Hubbard, with a spectacular rise in net profit during the June financial year.

Scales, which owns the country’s largest apple grower and exporter Mr Apple, boosted net earnings by 80% to $13.6 million in the year to June 30.

Fruit producer and marketer Turners & Growers declined an opportunity to address Zespri shareholders at its annual meeting yesterday.

Listed company Turners & Growers fired a broadside at Zespri this week, on the eve of its annual meeting, taking legal action against the kiwifruit exporter in a move to end near-monopoly status as a single desk seller.

At the annual meeting, a Turners & Growers representative declined an offer to speak to the more than 500 strong crowd.