According to kiwifruit marketer Zespri, sales remain strong in the Japanese market despite the impact of the economic crisis.
Deliveries of Zespri Green kiwifruit up to week 38 are by 6.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2008, the company said, while those of Zespri Gold are up by 7.8 per cent.
Zespri launched a new television spot for Zepsri Green on 16 September. The advert is reportedly due to air over a three-week period.
Meanwhile, in China and Hong Kong, Zespri is facing tough competition from Chilean and Chinese kiwifruit.
Exports of Chilean kiwifuit to this market have risen by 27 compared with 2008, while Chinese kiwifruit is around 20 per cent cheaper than Zespri kiwifruit.
