New Zealand has achieved its earliest kiwifruit harvest season ever, with the first batch of Ruby Red kiwis picked ahead of the peak harvest season in mid-April. The country is projected to surpass 200 million boxes of kiwifruits this season, an increase from the previous record of 190 million boxes, due to strong market demand and high production. Zespri, the leading exporter, aims to reach its sales target of NZ$4.5 billion. The per-box revenue for all kiwifruit varieties, except Green, has risen since the last forecast in November. Red kiwifruit, in particular, is expected to see significant growth in sales, especially to China and Japan, with first-time sales expected in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Pacific Island countries. Despite severe hail damage in some areas, overall weather conditions have been favorable for a high-quality crop.