Zespri Kiwifruit Strives for Growth Across North America

Global leader in premium quality kiwifruit responds to growing consumer demands

-- In response to the very positive consumer reaction to Zespri Kiwifruit last season, Zespri
 announces plans to significantly grow its volume across North America in 2016.
 In fact, Zespri's growth extends beyond its distribution: a North American office
is opening in Orange County, California to support customers and distributors
 in the next step in the company's expansion, which includes hiring more staff within the region.

Zespri SunGold—a natural cross between gold varieties of kiwifruit—is one of the
fastest growing new fruits globally, with sales expanding rapidly in the U.S. and
 Canada. Sweeter than a green kiwifruit, the SunGold variety tastes like a
cross between a mango and a strawberry and has a smooth, hairless skin
with a juicy, yellow flesh. SunGold's appeal is also its nutrition benefits: one
 serving has three times more vitamin C than an orange and provides as
 much potassium as a banana.¹
Glen Arrowsmith, ‎Zespri market manager North America, explains the first
 shipments of Zespri Kiwifruit will hit shores in mid-May and consumers will
 see Zespri in stores across the U.S. and Canada by June 1.
"U.S. demand for Zespri Green Kiwifruit also continues to climb as consumers
 discover the delicious and vastly superior eating experience of Zespri Kiwifruit,"
 said Arrowsmith. "Zespri shows steady growth in both Organic Green and
Organic SunGold varietals as well."
The reason behind the superior eating experience is Zespri's comprehensive
 quality system, which is used in every stage of the production process and
 is the basis for all Zespri kiwifruit growers. Zespri is a grower-owned company.
"We are committed to the North America market as we see a real opportunity
 for the kiwifruit category to grow as consumers experience premium quality
 Zespri fruit," said Arrowsmith. "We're elevating our unrelenting focus on
 superior taste and eating experience with a robust, innovative marketing
plan and re-brand strategy to reach consumers."
To support the expanded distribution and re-brand, Zespri conducted research
 in the U.S. around the development of consistent packaging across all platforms.
 The key findings of the research favored the product image as the main focus
 and the taste profile message, along with the usage message "Cut, Scoop &
 Enjoy," to help remind consumers that kiwifruit is an easy-to-eat, delicious
 and refreshing snack. New packaging will roll out through the upcoming
season with full coverage planned for the 2017 season.
Additionally, Zespri's integrated PR and marketing campaign will launch across
 TV, print and digital media to raise awareness of SunGold and educate
 consumers on how to select and enjoy a ripe Zespri Kiwifruit. The company
 is also planning sampling activities that will allow consumers to "Taste the Difference"
 at high-traffic locations in target markets across North America. Zespri will
expand its social media efforts with user-generated videos that will be released
on Zespri's YouTube channel.
¹ U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data
 Laboratory.
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28.
Available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl
About ZespriZespri International exports premium kiwifruit and is recognized as one of the
 world's most successful horticulture marketing companies. Based in Moun
t Maunganui, New Zealand, Zespri is 100 percent owned by current or past
kiwifruit growers, and employs approximately 400 people in New Zealand,
Asia, Europe and the Americas. The Zespri brand is the global leader in premium
quality kiwifruit.  On behalf of 2,500 growers in New Zealand and 1,200 growers
 based elsewhere, Zespri manages kiwifruit innovation and supply management,
 distribution management and marketing of Zespri Green, Zespri SunGold, and
 Zespri Organic. For more information on Zespri North America,
 please visit www.zesprikiwi.com.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160519/369831

CONTACT: Dustin Sveum, 646-935-4272, Dustin.Sveum@ketchum.com