Zespri International Limited is the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling in over 50 countries. Its international headquarters are in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.[1] However, it has licensed growers in Italy, France, Japan, South Korea, Greece and Australia, with trials in place in several other countries. Kiwifruit from New Zealand is available from May to October. To satisfy year-round consumer demand, Zespri markets kiwifruit from Italy from November to January.
 | |
| Industry | Horticulture |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand |
Key people | Daniel Mathieson, CEO |
| Website | zespri.com |
Zespri's portfolio of kiwifruit varieties includes SunGold, Green, and Organic.[2]
History
Zespri was first established in 1988 under the name of the "New Zealand Marketing Board" before it formed as a co-operative of kiwifruit growers in New Zealand in 2000 and renamed itself "Zespri International Ltd."
Cuttings of Zespri Sungold Kiwifruit have been illegally smuggled to China, where they are competing with the “counterfeit” fruit grown in unauthorized orchards in the China market.[3]
Zespri's popularity has seen a recent increase in Australia, due largely in part to a marketing campaign containing two dancing and singing kiwifruit.[4]
In February 2023 Zespri said that they were planning on listing on the NZX later that year. Kiwifruit growers would still be the only people who could own Zespri shares.[5][6]
Kiwifruit Breeding Centre
The Kiwifruit Breeding Centre is an even joint venture between Plant & Food Research and Zespri, based in Te Puke that commenced in October 2021.[7][8][9] It also operates out of Kerikeri, Motueka and Mt Albert.[10] It is a research and development centre focused on improving kiwifruit breeding and cultivation. The initial aims are to develop kiwifruit varieties that are healthier, better tasting, and more sustainable for the environment.[9] Matt Glenn is the inaugural CEO of the centre.[8]