New color for New Zealand kiwifruit

Resulting from the new varieties breeding program conducted in partnership with Plant & Food Research, and after a vast testing process, from the orchard to the consumer, through the logistics chain, the Zespri Red variety will be marketed for the first time for New Zealand producers.

 

 

 

The Zespri Board of Directors has just decided to market the Zespri Red variety for New Zealand producers. This variety, from the new variety breeding program conducted in partnership with Plant & Food Research, has undergone extensive testing from the orchard to the consumer via the logistics chain.

 

 

 

Zespri Red is a slightly smaller and softer kiwi than green kiwi and SunGold, and the characteristic red flesh of Zespri Red is derived from anthocyanin - a unique and natural pigment found in the fruit. It offers a sweet and subtle berry taste. 

 

 

 

New Zealand consumers and some markets will be able to discover the new variety in 2020 and 2021 as production increases to reach commercial volumes in the next few years.

 

 

 

The launch of the red variety is initially planned in Asia due to shorter sea transit times, while testing will continue in other Zespri production areas in the Northern Hemisphere to determine the commercial potential of the cultivar in different areas and environments.

 

 

 

According to Dan Mathieson, CEO of Zespri, the addition of Zespri Red will help achieve its goal of NZ $ 4.5 billion in global sales by 2025.