Red-fleshed ENZARed kiwifruit grown in China is going on sale in Italy this week.
NZ company Turners & Growers developed the variety, which will also be planted in Italy and New Zealand over coming seasons. The firm’s development manager, Murray Malone said: “The first EnzaRed fruit in Italy is being introduced to consumers by Summerfruit, our Italian kiwifruit growing and marketing partner.”
Trial volumes only will be available this season with commercial plantings in Italy getting under way over the next couple of years to reach 200ha in total.
Malone added: “Plantings in Italy will form part of Turners & Growers 12-month supply strategy that will see EnzaRed available in supermarkets year round.”
Owner of Summerfruit, Giampaolo DalPane said there is an excellent future for the variety in Europe, where its colour and flavour will set it apart as the premium kiwifruit variety in supermarkets. “The growing conditions here are excellent for us to establish EnzaRed orchards,” he added.
In New Zealand, Turners & Growers EnzaRed kiwifruit orchards will be in commercial production in 2013.
