ORANGE COUNTY, CA - New Zealand is home to many incredible things—the Milford Sound Fjord, the Aurora Australis, and Xena: Warrior Princess film locations, among others. But arguably none are as exciting as the year-after-year supply of SunGold Kiwifruit that Zespri has to offer, a tropical-sweet variety that took 10 years to create and perfect in the company’s extensive, Non-GMO plant breeding program. Now, this season is revving up to be one to remember.

“We are set for another strong season this year,” Marketing Manager of North America Sarah Deaton says. “We have plans to target 50 percent growth for the coming year and extend the season through Zespri-grown Italian fruit so consumers can begin to enjoy Zespri SunGold though winter.”

The Zespri New Zealand season begins in May and runs through November. Due to strong consumer demand, Zespri has developed supply options to provide retailers and consumers with Zespri Kiwifruit all year long.

“We’re really excited to come in and bring some of the best-tasting kiwifruit to consumers,” she shares with me from the new Orange County, California-based office. “We’ve been growing since the early 1900s, perfecting our craft and pioneering the kiwifruit category. Zespri grow’s for taste. We don’t grow to have the biggest crop or the largest kiwifruit; we grow to have the best-tasting fruit because we know that is what consumers want. We test the fruit to make sure we pick it at the right time for optimal sweetness. If it doesn’t meet our tasting standards, we will not put the Zespri label on it.”

Fruit with the Zespri label goes through a rigorous testing process, ensuring that high-taste standards are met. The smooth skin hides the beautiful yellow fruit inside, which doesn’t have as many seeds as the typical green kiwifruit and also hosts a tropical and sweet flavor.

Available in one- and two-pound packs, the SunGold Kiwifruit offers retailers unique merchandising opportunities that boost sales, especially, Sarah says, when placed in large displays or among berries to provide a pop of yellow against the familiar color palette.

To further support retailers, Zespri’s regional development managers are currently meeting with retailers to develop customized category programs and promotions. See the link below to reach out to a market development manager in your region: http://www.zesprikiwi.com/industry-resource/.

As our interview winds down, Sarah returns to the basics of what is on trend with consumers.

“Consumers, especially parents, are looking for convenient, nutritional snacks for their kids. Consumers can just simply cut, scoop and enjoy Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit! SunGold is rich in nutrients, which make it an ideal option for a morning or afternoon snack.”

Will this season bring about an exciting new consumer campaign? Sarah hints that there is more in the works, and we at AndNowUKnow can’t wait to bite into the next big happening for the Zespri team.

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