Zespri will be celebrating the success of its SunGold Kiwifruit at the New York Produce Show on Dec. 13-16.
In addition to sharing the news that Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit accounts for 47 percent of the total kiwi category growth, local and international staff will be available to share information on successful selling tools, customized programs and resources available to help promote Zespri’s Northern Hemisphere SunGold Kiwifruit.
At this time of year, Zespri transitions to supplying SunGold Kiwifruit from Italy to extend the season through February to meet the continuous consumer demand for this sweet and nutritious fruit.
“We are looking forward to a live in-person event,” said Susan Noritake, Zespri’s head of sales for the North American market. “To celebrate another successful season, we are giving away new Apple AirPod Pros during the show. But, more importantly, it gives us the opportunity to update the industry on the growing demand for Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit in addition to the success of the green and organic varieties. We think it’s really important as an industry that we work together and share ideas. This is another direct channel to provide retailers with the tools and resources we have available to help increase their sales and to share our consumer marketing initiatives that help drive shoppers to their stores.”
Zespri’s multi-channel consumer marketing campaign helped propel its SunGold Kiwifruit to the third fastest-growing segment in the fruit bowl. The campaign generated more than 450 million impressions. Activities included in-store displays, digital advertising, influencer partnerships, in-home sampling and outdoor events.
Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit sales over the most recent period are up +48 percent versus a year ago, which is outpacing category growth by +23 percent and total fruit growth rate by three times.
“We are excited for retailers to come by our booth to celebrate our combined effort that made the season a success,” Noritake said. “We will also have shipping merchandisers on display to showcase how retailers can increase their sales up to 200 percent by placing these merchandisers in their produce section.”
Based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, Zespri is 100 percent owned by current or past kiwifruit growers, and employs more than 600 people in New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
