ORANGE COUNTY, CA - While the year might be winding down, one company is winding up as it seeks to grab more of the consumer basket in the kiwifruit category. Zespri’s SunGold Kiwifruit has been a hit since its launch just six years ago, and the triple threat of creative sampling, new vertically designed packaging, and a consumer campaign is contributing to an over 31 percent increase in net sales (total U.S.) for this season. This success is driving Zespri to make a huge pivot in its strategic blueprint: it has moved into a test phase to explore the potential for growing Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit within the United States.

“Consumers love the taste of our Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit,” Glen Arrowsmith, North America Market Manager, stated. “Our goal is to eventually offer the Zespri eating experience to consumers year-round. We are excited to partner with local growers to explore the U.S. opportunity as we test the growing potential and the fruit’s post-harvest and sensory performance. We are at the very early stage but have just harvested the first small trial U.S. crop in October, which was planted in 2018. It’s exciting to see U.S.-grown SunGold Kiwi.”

To help with this vision, Zespri is partnering with local U.S. growers at 10 test sites in an effort to better comprehend and grasp the local growing conditions on the West Coast.

Knowing the importance of learning about local conditions and adapting growing techniques to achieve quality, flavor, and success is something that Zespri has learned during its global expansion.

Zespri growers work with third-party auditors to ensure they are growing and harvesting to the Zespri high standards, according to a press release.

World-class growing techniques with collaborative local growing partners will allow all parties—Zespri, retailers, and consumers—to look forward to having a year-long supply of the popular and coveted SunGold Kiwifruit once testing concludes.

Cheers to a winning strategy and an eye for global growth!

Zespri