Homegrown Organic introduces jumbo kiwifruit variety

Homegrown Organic Farms, Porterville, Calif., is adding jumbo organic kiwifruit to its lineup.

“Adding kiwis to our organic offering was a natural next step as we work to continue to fulfill our buyer’s organic fruit needs,” Scott Mabs, Homegrown Organic Farms CEO, said in a news release.

The new variety is a jumbo variety, likely the result of a natural genetic mutation. It is not genetically modified, according to the release.

Almost 50% larger than typical kiwifruit, this variety was developed in Greece. Jerry and Jerin Kliewer, U.S. growers of peaches, plums, nectarines and kiwifruit, partnered with breeders in Greece to maintain genetic rights to the variety.

“We are pleased to be able to add this unique variety to our offerings,” Stephen Paul, category director for Homegrown Organic Farms, said in the release. “As one of the most diverse organic fruit marketers in the industry, we are working hard to provide top-of-the-line varieties, and this is no exception.”

The jumbo kiwifruit variety will be available in bulk and 1- and 3-pound clamshells. Homegrown expects to ship the kiwis beginning in November.

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