Gold Kiwi at the center of trade tensions between China and New Zealand

This is a conflict that is attacking the symbol of New Zealand: Kiwi. In recent years, this fruit, which is highly valued in France, has crystallized tensions between China and New Zealand. The producer of Kiwifruit Jespri actually revealed in 2016 “SuncoldIt was illegally imported to China, and the orchards continued to grow to the detriment of New Zealand farmers. The latter are scheduled to meet later in the week to choose a strategy for conflict or cooperation with Chinese manufacturers.

Also read:New Zealand GDP records historic decline

KiwisSuncoldDuck laying golden eggs for Jesbri from New Zealand, the world leader in the Kiwifruit market. In 2010, when the country was facing the bacterium PSA, the cooperative developed the Gold 3 strain, which will be patented and sold as an alternative to green kiwis. «Suncold.

Resistant to this disease, but sweet, tasty, rich in vitamin C and cheap, this yellow type kiwi has since enjoyed international success. According to British Media The Guardian, The co-op rushed to register identity in all countries of the world, overtaking the yellow kiwi green. In 2020, 72.8 million plates of this golden kiwis were sold worldwide, compared to 66.8 million green kiwis.

5,200 hectares of illegally cultivated gold kiwis

Thus, New Zealand learned in 2016 that these gold kiwis are being illegally produced by millions in China, especially in the Sichuan region. First, Hai Kao, a Chinese man who owns an orchard in New Zealand, is said to have smuggled the parasites into China. The case is being taken to court, and the person is ordered to pay Jespri NZ $ 14 million in damages.

A permit that is not sufficient to prevent the problem. In the absence of support from Chinese authorities, Jesbri says illegally cultivated areas in China now cover an area of ​​5,200 hectares, which has doubled between 2019 and 2021.

Also read:His organic kiwis are not French: a fine of 70,000 euros

If the material speaks for itself, it is because China represents a substantial market for kiwi. The Federal Empire is actually the world’s largest producer and New Zealand’s main trading partner. Jespri said in a statement that about 28 million kiwifruits were sold in China last season. He also estimates that sales will double in the next 4 years through growthSuncolor is widely worn.

Conflict serving China domestically

To date, the Communist Party of China (CCP) has remained silent on the matter. “China is not interested in undermining local production that works best with Chinese consumers and manufacturers, they have joined hands in a sector in which they work.மில், observes Kamil Bruger, a researcher specializing in China at the School of Military Strategic Research Institute (IRSEM).

China was not in its first attempt. A similar dispute occurred with French wine growers Stamped some locally made wines with the names of the big Porto houses. “This is the only problem between French wine and New Zealand kiwifruit, Camille Bruggier continues. China is the main export destination for French wines, so France has no interest in alienating the main buyer. It may be the same for New Zealand with the Kiwis. “

Also read:Counterfeit: Bordeaux wines claim a “significant” criminal success in China

This week, representatives of New Zealand’s farming community will meet with Chinese manufacturers to determine the strategy to follow. In his statement, Jesbree sees the two. “Ways to takeResolve this dispute. On the one hand, the company “Proceed with the current approach“, Who”Initiate legal action“And”Compete against Chinese distribution“However, he acknowledges that this approach has failed.”Restrict the expansion of unauthorized planting activities.

On the other hand, he is a “Business partnerships with provincial governments, cooperatives and local manufacturers“Jespri hopes this partnership will be successful.”To protect [leur] Storage space and [leur] Distribution“, It will provide them”Some influence on the distribution of gold 3 plantations“In China.

“Chinese Gooseberry”

For Andrew Gillespie, professor of economics and management at Oxford University, the second option seems more reasonable. “This is like all court cases. You can win in theory, but often the price you pay is more than you can afford. [Zespri] Can find itself in the middle of a huge storm, and the end result will be far greater than this one intellectual property issue.“, He explains to The Guardian media.

Also read:Jean-Pierre Kabeston: “The challenge for the West is not only the Chinese Communist Party, but China today.”

Paradoxically, the origin of kiwi comes from … China! He came to New Zealand in 1904. “Chinese gooseberry2, and adapted to the local climate. In the 1950s, New Zealand producers wanted to export the fruit and decided to change its name. “KiwiFor its color similar to the color of the country’s iconic animal. The marketing plot worked very well and even today, it is associated with the famous fruit archipelago.