Zespri has announced that it joined the prestigious yacht race, America’s Cup, in a partnership with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and San Francisco’s very own trend-leading restaurants, Waterbar. The partnership introduced a top selection of New Zealand products to the food and beverage industry, according to a press release.Many restaurateurs and chefs joined the festivities during America’s Cup and were introduced to foods and wines from New Zealand, including Zespri Kiwi Pavlova prepared by pastry chef Angela Gong Salvatore. The dish featured Heilala vanilla bean meringue, ginger ice cream, and Zespri Kiwifruit coulis – the kiwifruit was organically grown on New Zealand’s North Island. Waterbar’s menu will continue to feature Zespri Kiwifruit until October 2013.“The event was a huge success,” said Michelle Hoard, Marketing Manager of Zespri North America. “America’s Cup created a great opportunity for us to introduce Zespri Kiwifruit to the Bay Area Food and Beverage industry. It was important to share how Zespri Kiwifruit is greatly invested in sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint, while still delivering a quality product.”

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