BIG interview: Christina Manossis on sustainability alignment and commercial strategy at Zeus Kiwi

The kiwi market is moving through another period of adjustment, shaped by climate pressure, shifting trade routes, and ongoing geopolitical noise that continues to influence how exporters plan and sell. For suppliers, the focus today is less about reacting to one season and more about building flexibility into where fruit goes and how risk is distributed.

Greek exporter Zeus Kiwi is approaching this landscape by widening its commercial scope and staying close to markets that show long-term programme potential. Alongside this, the company has been steadily structuring its sustainability work — from input reduction to energy use and waste handling — as part of its broader operational model rather than a side initiative.

Today, we talk to Christina Manossis, General Director of Zeus Kiwi, about market expansion, geopolitical headwinds, and why environmental performance is becoming inseparable from commercial strategy.

Fructidor: Environmental sustainability is becoming central for produce exporters. What are your current targets?

Christina Manossis: Our objective is to eliminate food waste as much as possible. We are already operating at very high efficiency levels (currently at 96.22%) and the goal is to push this even further over the next two years, moving as close as possible to full waste elimination.

We strongly believe that if companies do not focus on environmental sustainability now, we will all face the consequences. It is a collective responsibility, not only for businesses but for everyone.

Fructidor: How does this translate operationally?

C.M.: We conducted a full carbon footprint evaluation in kiwifruit back in 2012 and re-evaluated it again in 2022 to measure progress and identify further reduction areas. In grapes, we completed our life cycle assessment in 2023 and plan to repeat this evaluation in the coming years as part of our continuous monitoring approach. We have also installed solar panels and are now looking into additional energy sources that are less harmful to the environment and allow us to reduce consumption further.

Fructidor: Is ESG integration part of your roadmap as well?

C.M.: Yes. Even though ESG is not mandatory for us, we want to stay one step ahead. We are implementing ESG systems proactively — not only in relation to CO₂ performance but also by setting concrete targets across both the environmental and social pillars.

We are making solid progress on these two fronts, and our next focus area is Governance. This requires us to establish measurable outcomes — particularly around risk management effectiveness and internal accountability structures — ensuring ESG is embedded operationally, not just strategically.

Fructidor:

C.M.: It is a challenging period due to climate conditions and geopolitical developments. These factors require us to act proactively and adapt.

We have already introduced kiwi varieties that are more tolerant to evolving climate conditions in Greece, aligning production with what markets are asking for.

Fructidor: How are geopolitical developments affecting trade flows?

C.M.: They are having a clear impact. The U.S. market, for example, has become more complex — exchange rates, tariffs, and general instability affect long-term profitability.

This reinforces the importance of diversification. Companies cannot rely too heavily on one destination — risk needs to be spread across multiple markets.

Fructidor: Which regions are gaining importance for you?

C.M.: Latin America is becoming increasingly interesting. Markets such as Brazil and Argentina — and the region overall — offer strong growth potential and reliable partnerships.

It is a large market with room to expand, and we are focusing more attention there.

Fructidor: And Asia?

C.M.: Asia remains strategic for us, particularly for yellow kiwi. Demand is strong, and once logistical and geopolitical conditions stabilise, we are ready to strengthen our presence again.

Interest in yellow kiwi continues to grow, and we want to build further on that.

Fructidor: Any final message for potential partners?

C.M.: We are open to new markets and new collaborations. Building partnerships takes time — sometimes it starts with one container, but it develops into long-term cooperation.

Our focus is on sustainable growth, reliable relationships, and expanding our global footprint step by step.

To explore partnership opportunities with Zeus Kiwi, send an inquiry today.