Kiwi trader Zespri to leave port of Zeebrugge for the Netherlands in 2028
New Zealand kiwi producer Zespri will move its European import operations from the port of Zeebrugge to Vlissingen in the Netherlands from 2028, ending more than four decades of activity in the Belgian port. The company announced the decision on Friday, saying the move is part of a broader restructuring of its European logistics network.
Zespri currently operates through Belgian New Fruit Wharf (BNFW) in Zeebrugge under a contract that runs until 2028. Following a review of its operations, the company decided not to renew the agreement and instead adopt a model based on three central hubs in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.
"As part of this long-term shift, Zespri will introduce a single Northern European hub with the Netherlands-based partner Lineage. We will then transport fruit from the port of arrival to the customers' warehouses or distribution points," the company stated.
Zespri said it has worked with Lineage as an overflow facility for the past two years and cited the company's expertise in fresh-product logistics. It will continue to work with its existing partners APM Vado in Italy and Fruport in Spain.
"Zespri considers this the best decision to further support Zespri's growth in Europe and to deliver strong results for both customers and growers," the statement said. The company added that it would work closely with BNFW to ensure continuity until the move takes effect.
Blow for Zeebrugge
The decision is a setback for Zeebrugge, one of Europe's main fruit ports, where kiwis account for a significant share of activity. Bruges mayor Dirk De fauw (CD&V), who also sits on the board of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said the port had not been informed of any problems.
"We regret Zespri's decision and would also like to know the reasons behind it. We have never received any complaints or problems."
De fauw described the departure as a major loss, particularly for employment. According to industry publication Flows, more than 300 people work at BNFW's packing facility in Zeebrugge, where kiwi handling involves a substantial amount of manual labour.
Zespri's kiwi imports have passed through Zeebrugge for more than 40 years. Some reports have suggested that repeated pilot strikes may have influenced the company's decision, although Zespri has not publicly cited a specific reason for the move.
#FlandersNewsService | Kiwi sorting at Zeebrugge © BELGA PHOTO ISABELLE VANHASSEL
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