New Zealand red kiwifruit to enter Chinese market

Zespri has announced its intention to launch on the Chinese market for the first time its variety of red flesh kiwi. The sale period will be limited to 2 months only.

 

 

 

Zespri with Pagoda, one of the leading fruit distributors in the Chinese market and which is its exclusive partner for sales in China, has announced its intention to launch for the first time the Zespri Red variety, a red fleshed kiwi, on the Chinese market.

 

 

 

Zespri Red's production in New Zealand is still low. The volume shipped to the Chinese market is expected to reach only 20,000 boxes. The launch date in the Chinese market is scheduled for mid-April, with a sales period of only 2 months. The kiwis will be available on an online platform and at Pagoda stores in Shanghai.

 

 

 

Zespri Red is a slightly smaller and more tender kiwifruit than Green Kiwifruit and SunGold. The characteristic red flesh of Zespri Red comes from anthocyanin - a unique and natural pigment found in the fruit. This Red kiwi offers a sweet flavor and a subtle berry taste

 

 

 

As the flesh is relatively tender, taking into account the shipping times and shelf life, the Asian market was the first choice of destination for Zespri Red kiwifruit.

 

 

 

This red-fleshed variety is the result of a breeding program for new varieties that Zespri led in partnership with Plant & Food Research. The final stages of commercial and transport trials took place in 2019. New Zealand consumers were the first to discover this new variety, and then during sales trials in Singapore, the look and taste of red kiwifruit drew comments. enthusiastic from consumers.