Zespri’s SunGold Kiwifruit is changing the category due to its sweeter taste and longer shelf life—and consumers can’t get enough. To meet strong consumer demand, Zespri is bringing in kiwifruit from Italy, wher Zespri’s Italian SunGold-growers grow for taste and deliver on Zespri’s comprehensive system of quality standards.

“We’ve been reconfiguring our business structure and building our team to help our customers grow their business, and develop supply options to enable us to become a truly 12-month brand in North America,” explains Ben Hughes, general manager of the Americas. “Our kiwifruit from Italy allows us to extend the season past November as we aim to get closer and closer to a 12-month supply program. The New Zealand Kiwifruit season begins in May and runs through November. We are now able to supply consumers with SunGold Kiwifruit well into winter.”

The Italian SunGold Kiwifruit will be sold in Zespri’s identifiable “Cut. Scoop. Enjoy!” packaging with its clean, simple imagery and messaging that highlights Zespri Kiwifruit’s freshness and taste. Packaging options will continue to range from various weights of clamshells, bags, loose bulk and displays. “The SunGold Kiwifruit from Italy will be seamless in its delivery to consumers,” states Hughes. “They just need to look for the Zespri brand and packaging of SunGold. Our Italian SunGold growers achieve the same exceptional taste standards as our New Zealand growers, which ensures great consistency and quality for our customers and consumers.”

Zespri has a core team in Italy that works directly with the growers including dedicated technical and grower services teams to oversee growing practices. Obtaining fruit from Italy meets Zespri’s growth strategy to grow the kiwifruit category in North America by achieving a year-round supply. Although SunGold leads the growth strategy, Zespri’s goal is to supply a full range of fresh kiwi products including Green, Organic Green and Organic SunGold.

To support retailers, Zespri offers customized category programs and promotions through their regional market development managers. Customized programs are developed around each retailer’s specific needs due to their customers’ shopping patterns. In addition, Zespri launched strong consumer and retailer campaigns to support the SunGold variety. Retailers are encouraged to meet with their regional market development managers and utilize available point-of-purchase displays and other merchandising material that feature the “Celebrate the SunGold” consumer graphics to help promote SunGold Kiwifruit.