Zespri has announced the arrival of the first ships containing new season kiwifruit in the US. The marketer said it had been a “great growing season, with hot weather and adequate rainfall moving into a cool fall”.
The first consignments landed on the West Coast of North America last week and is due to arrive this week on the East Coast.
To coincide with the start of the new campaign, Zespri announced the first ever self-substantiated health claim for a fresh fruit product, under the Food Standards Australia-New Zealand (FSANZ) Standard for Nutrition, Health and Related Claims, which states that Zespri Green Kiwifruit can contribute to normal bowel function. “Research shows that the more consumers know about the health benefits of kiwifruit, the more they will consume,” the marketer said. “Thus the claim proves a great first step in our longer-term strategy of procuring an insightful, science-supported claim in other markets worldwide.”
Zespri’s newest variety, SunGold, will also be available in greater volumes this year in the North American market. The juicy, golden-fleshed new variety has a sweet taste with a hint of tanginess.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to reach more consumers this year in the US and Canada markets. This is a fantastic piece of fruit,” said Michele Hoard, Zespri’s marketing manager for North America. “In conjunction, we are initiating ongoing work to educate customers and consumers that this is another premium variety from Zespri they can depend on.”
