Kiwifruit marketer Zespri has scored a victory in its ongoing battle with Turners & Growers, after the High Court ruled it won’t hear Turners’ case next year.

Turners was looking to challenge Zespri’s export monopoly in court, but a judge has ruled industry regulator Kiwifruit New Zealand has exclusive jurisdiction in such disputes.

Zespri spokeswoman Melanie Palmer is welcoming the decision and hopes Turners will take the hint and drop its case.

“We always said that the case was without merit, and on Friday that was confirmed.

"The High Court ruled in favour of Zespri, growers and the Government, and striking out all three of Turners & Growers’ claims.

"So what that really means is that the Kiwifruit Exporters’ regulations were validly established 11 years ago, and Kiwifruit NZ as the industry regulator, can hear any complaints under those regulations.”

And Labour Party Agriculture spokesman Damien O’Connor has weighed in on the debate, accusing Turners of mischief-making; he says the Zespri model is one other industries could follow.