Largest-ever crop means RubyRed will be sold in markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the US
Zespri’s RubyRed red-fleshed kiwifruit has been shipped to stores throughout its home market of New Zealand, the company has announced.
Marketing general manager KokHwee Ng confirmed the product would be available in supermarkets and greengrocers nationwide until June.
Production of RubyRed in New Zealand has doubled in the past year, and this year’s crop is expected to exceed 3mn trays, or 10,800 tonnes.
As a result, it will be available for the first time in a number of new markets, and around 1mn trays, or 3,500 tonnes, are due to be sold in each of China and Japan.
“Zespri RubyRed has a striking red flesh and a unique berry sweet taste,” said Ng. “It also contains a number of antioxidants, including Vitamin C and anthocyanins which are naturally occurring pigments within the fruit giving the fruit its red colour.”
She added: “They are naturally smaller in size but packed full of goodness, making them a great heathy snack, a perfect addition to lunchboxes, or as part of your favourite dish. Be sure to get in quick as they won’t be around for long!”
RubyRed has smooth, delicate skin and needs to be handled with care. It also has a shorter shelf-life than other Zespri varieties, so consumers are encouraged to refrigerate it until ready to eat – at which point they should ripen it at room temperature.
As well as being available in New Zealand, the fruit will be exported to markets throughout Asia-Pacific, including a number of exciting new markets such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, the Pacific Islands and the US.
