New Zealand fills the European Kiwi supply gap

The European kiwifruit import season has begun following a steady supply of New Zealand fruit to Europe. “We have a steady supply year-on-year, but our demand is increasing. Consumers cannot keep enough Zespri SunGold kiwifruit, so we are working to bring in more supply from New Zealand in 2024 to meet the high consumer demand,” says Darren Lamothe, Zespri US, New Zealand kiwifruit. European distribution is used to extend the fruit season. SunGold.

Zespri’s SunGold kiwifruit currently comes from Italy, and small quantities of green kiwifruit come from Greece to Canada. “Weather conditions during harvest are ideal in all parts of Europe and another good harvest is expected from our producers,” says Lamothe.

Needed at Christmas time
That supply meets the high demand for sungold kiwifruit in particular. Lamothe says the category continues to grow, accounting for 46 percent of the season’s revenue. Likewise, it continues to attract new users to the category. “We are gearing up for Christmas demand and ready to plan with our retail partners for the 2024 season, which starts in May next year,” he notes.

Zespri will continue its Taste the Obsession campaign through new channels and activities to help drive demand further in 2024. By 2023, this campaign, through cash and earned media, Influencers, sample activities and buyer programs, generated more than a billion impressions. “In 2024, we look forward to working with our retail partners to create in-store displays that capture the attention of shoppers.

Looking ahead, Lamothe says its 2024 supply estimates show a positive trend. “This creates hope for increased volumes in the upcoming New Zealand kiwifruit season. “Our distribution teams are actively monitoring weather conditions and working diligently to serve global markets,” he notes.

For more information:
Jill Netzel
Jespri
Phone: +1 (818) 718-8084
[email protected]
https://www.zespri.com