Kiwifruit
Zespri says its fruit with vibrant red interior will be available nationwide for a limited time.
More volume is expected in U.S. market, and the company plans to expand to Canada, Vietnam and Australia.
The company plans to preview a new campaign and merchandising at booth No. 825 during the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure show.
Fresh Del Monte recently showed retailers how an AI-powered robot can help inspire produce gift-giving for the holiday as well as every day, based on trials at three Chicago-area Jewel stores.
From mushrooms to Persian limes to murasaki sweetpotatoes to microgreens and more, exhibitors at East Coast Produce Expo 2026 showcased some of the hottest trends in produce.
New activities, tastings and, of course, the KiwiBrothers will be a part of the company’s presence at the global show.
Gary Caloroso, regional business development director for The Giumarra Companies tells The Packer that the company will have good volumes and eye-catching packaging and merchandising displays for kiwifruit, persimmons and citrus this fall.
The company’s CEO says as Zespri moves through the summer fruit period and into the second half of the sales season, it remains focused on finishing the season strongly and maximizing value returned to growers.
The brand’s KiwiBrothers characters will have a prominent role in helping lift retails sales, along with new packaging and displays.
The kiwifruit marketer seeks to rally innovators and pioneers for its Zespri Innovation Fund, which launched November 2023.
Per hectare returns are projected to be up from last season for all categories, the company said.
Zespri’s SunGold has generated double-digit growth in both dollars and volume helping to solidify a top brand position, the marketer says.
The study primarily aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a 10-week fruit and vegetable dietary intervention in primary school and the measurement of mental and cognitive health outcomes.
After a weak 2022 season and recent severe weather challenges, New Zealand-based kiwi producer Zespri is focusing on fruit quality for the 2023 season ahead.
“Our Centre of Sales and Marketing Excellence is the gateway to all of our major markets ... and it was brilliant we could have our growers join us for this important event,” said Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson.
“It was another extremely challenging growing season in New Zealand, with a significant reduction in yields as a result of poor growing conditions,” said Zespri Chief Operating Officer Jason Te Brake.
Hailing from Italy and Greece, Red Passion-branded red kiwifruit is grown under a protective layer of plastic to deliver a consistent and high-quality eating experience, according to Oppy.
The kiwifruit marketer has planned marketing around the season’s first shipments of New Zealand kiwifruit, set to hit stores mid-May.
While still early in the season, Zespri said its latest supply estimate reflects the positive growing conditions seen across New Zealand in recent months.
Good fruit quality and an increase in demand helped the New Zealand-based kiwifruit marketer increase orchard gate returns for the 2023-24 season.
Forecast orchard gate returns have increased for all categories other than RubyRed kiwifruit at a per-tray level, according to the company’s November forecast for the 2024-25 season.
The marketer said about 75% of its crop — one of the largest at more than 190 million trays — has shipped from New Zealand to customers throughout the world.
PureFresh Sales, Selma, Calif., will be using shelf life extending products from Hazel Technologies, Chicago, to keep its fruit fresher.
The California Kiwifruit Administrative Committee, Sacramento, is conducting grower elections.
The New Zealand kiwifruit industry will be boosted by three specialized reefer vessels following significant investment by operator Fresh Carriers.
Hazel Technologies Inc. announces a new partnership with Reedley, CA-based Kliewer Farms, a leading grower of California kiwifruit, stone fruit, and table grapes.