Zespri north America growers website

Zespri has launched a brand-new grower section on its North American website in an effort to connect both trade and consumers with Zespri’s sustainable, innovative growing practices.

The section features in-depth bios, photos and videos showcase Zespri conventional and organic growers of both Green and Gold kiwifruit, according to a company press release.

To mark the industry’s 100th anniversary of the first kiwifruit harvest in New Zealand, Zespri said it is also offering North American consumers the chance to win a holiday for four to the heart of kiwifruit country.

The package, which forms part of as part of its Great Kiwi Adventure campaign, includes a week’s beach accommodation, cultural and sports activities and the opportunity to meet a kiwifruit-growing Kiwi.

New Zealand kiwifruit first reached US shores in the late 1950s, according to Zespri. Since then the company claims the fruit has made “culinary waves” on restaurant menus and won over consumers with its “unique tangy-sweet taste” and “brilliant emerald colour”.

“Over the decades, kiwifruit has grown in popularity with American consumers as a hand-held snack and fruit ingredient, particularly as research unveiled the fruit’s extraordinary health benefits,” Zespri said in its news statement.

Now that the North American trade and consumers know about the fruit, the company's North American market manager, Karen Brux, says they are looking to connect with the growers, and Zespri producers feel they have a unique story to tell.

“With a century of experience, Zespri growers lead the kiwifruit category in the field and in the market. They are truly committed to producing the best quality Green and Gold kiwifruit in the world,” Ms Brux explained.

“The profiles, photos and videos featured on the new grower section of our website showcase our growers’ dedication to leading the kiwifruit industry through innovation and dedication. They introduce our customers to the best practices every grower uses to responsibly balance the environmental, social and economic aspects of our business.”