ORANGE COUNTY, CA - T-minus two weeks until the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show kicks off in Orlando, Florida, and Zespri™ is more than ready to hit the show floor for its fifth year as an exhibitor.

“We are very excited to attend IFPA this year,” explained Dan Riley, General Manager for the North American market. “It will be great to meet face-to-face to engage with retailers and industry partners to showcase our investment behind our advertising and sampling efforts, new shipper displays, and customized shopper programs that have worked cohesively to drive sales at retail. Our season to date has a growth rate of 29 percent compared to this time last season.”

Zespri will be manning a newly redesigned booth at the event that is bold and fun to match the brand’s identity, a release stated. Known for its lively booth atmosphere, this year will be no different as the company shows off its SunGold™ Kiwi. To do so, freshly cut SunGold Kiwifruit will be sampled during show hours along with a Happy Hour, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, where SunGold-inspired drinks will be served.

To kick off the trade show, the supplier is co-sponsoring the Welcome Reception, during which attendees can enjoy SunGold specialty dishes and beverages and meet with the Zespri team. The company will also sponsor the Race for a Healthier World 5K and provide runners with a SunGold Kiwi to refresh after their run.

Through its efforts, Zespri has helped grow the kiwifruit category. Overall, the provider has accounted for 48 percent of total category sales since the season started this year, which is up from 43 percent last season, the release explained. Zespri SunGold Kiwi is a main driver of growth for the category, with volume sales up 15 percent.

“Zespri’s success can also be attributed to the high consumer demand for this deliciously sweet and nutritious fruit,” added Riley. “We established strong influencer partnerships to drive awareness and robust sampling programs that allowed shoppers to taste Zespri SunGold Kiwi. Top markets and focus regions saw an accelerated gain of new households. This means with every increase in penetration or new households, we drive more incremental value for the category.”

Zespri is the recipient of past Best Team Attire and Best Team Spirit awards recognizing the team’s enthusiasm and creativity. They will display their creativity again with this year’s costume to keep the momentum going!

To get in on the action, stop by booth #2487 on the show floor.

Zespri™