Zespri International in the news

Zespri International reported a milestone 2026 season for SunGold Kiwifruit in the U.S., with significant category growth driven by successful marketing campaigns and their 2035 Strategy for continued expansion.

Zespri anticipates a 16% increase in its Northern Hemisphere SunGold kiwifruit production to 99,000 tonnes for the coming season, mainly driven by growth in Italy, to support year-round global supply.

Zespri's SunGold Kiwifruit had a record season in the U.S., exceeding 10 million tray equivalents, driven by strong consumer campaigns and a new growth strategy.

Zespri™ forecasts a 16% increase in its Northern Hemisphere kiwifruit supply for 2026, reaching 28 million trays, primarily from Italy, to ensure year-round availability globally.

Zespri forecasts a 16% increase in its Northern Hemisphere kiwifruit crop for 2026, primarily driven by Italy, with 28 million trays of SunGold Kiwifruit and 8 million trays of Green Kiwifruit expected.

Zespri forecasts a 16% increase in SunGold kiwifruit production in the northern hemisphere for 2026, reaching 28 million trays, driven by strong growth in Italy and continued focus on Zespri Green.

Zespri International is addressing quality consistency and increased competition, particularly in China, to maintain its premium brand and maximize grower returns amid a record-setting harvest.

A debate has emerged regarding Zespri's protected kiwifruit export market, with orchardist John Bostock challenging its single-desk model with his own kiwifruit variety.

Zespri achieved record financial results, launched its 'Grown for Good' global brand platform, and saw significant growth in key markets like Spain, reinforcing its strategy to become the world's healthiest fruit brand.

A major fruit grower criticizes Zespri's monopoly on kiwifruit exports, calling for industry deregulation despite Zespri's record sales.

John Bostock, a Hawke’s Bay apple grower, is challenging Zespri's kiwifruit export monopoly by partnering with Korean entities to grow and market a new Gold kiwifruit variety, Haegeum, aiming to export it to premium markets.

VX Logistics and Zespri International celebrate a decade of partnership, focusing on redefining cold chain logistics in China to ensure kiwifruit quality and meet ambitious growth targets.

Zespri Kiwifruit helps retailers cater to back-to-school demand for nutritious and convenient food options with its versatile product and marketing campaign.

Zespri invests in biocontrol research with the John Innes Centre to combat a devastating kiwifruit bacterial canker threatening New Zealand's horticultural exports.

Zespri is funding research with the John Innes Centre to develop natural biocontrols against a devastating bacterial disease threatening kiwifruit production in New Zealand.

Zespri funds research into natural defenses against the kiwifruit disease PsaV, aiming to find sustainable solutions to protect global kiwifruit production.

Zespri Kiwifruit helps retailers meet the demand for nutritious and convenient back-to-school food solutions by promoting its versatility and nutritional benefits through merchandising and marketing campaigns.

Zespri International successfully obtained EU health claim approval for green kiwifruit improving bowel function, a lengthy process illustrating the challenges of science-backed whole-food claims in Europe.

Zespri International secured the EU's first fresh fruit health claim in August 2025 for green kiwifruit improving bowel function, after a 15-year research and approval process.

Zespri, Freco International, Tops, and Goodfarmer Fruit Group were recognized with ASIA FRUIT AWARDS 2026 for their achievements in marketing, importing, retailing, and industry development within the fresh produce sector.