New Zealand Kiwi producer Zespri has found itself tied up in a legal battle with two former Chinese importers who are suing it NZ$33.5m for wrongful contract termination, according to reports.

According to New Zealand broadcaster ONE News, a claim was filed in the High Court in Auckland on 30 April.

The claim names Shanghai Neuhof Trade Company and Shanghai Zhang Logistic Limited, who say Zespri breached their trade relationship and wrongfully terminated a contract between the parties.

A Zespri spokesperson told ONE News the allegations related to matters that occurred in the “last decade” and the firm was confident the New Zealand court would quash the allegations as the Chinese courts already had.

Zespri did not respond to requests for comment when approached by just-food.

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