MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND - Following a strong growing period, kiwi season is starting early and Zespri is gearing up to support retailers as shoppers look for fruits with vitamin C to support their immune systems in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

“We are glad that our season is starting so we can provide consumers with a healthy fruit option,” said Sarah Deaton, shopper marketing manager at Zespri. “We are dedicated and working hard to get our fruit to the market. Serving to serving, our SunGold kiwifruit has more vitamin C than an orange and the same amount of potassium as a banana. Because of its sweet, tropical flavor, kids love the taste so that helps parents fuel themselves and their children with a nutrient-rich fruit to help support their immune system.” 

Over the past two years, SunGold kiwifruit has delivered 112%-dollar sales growth, and early indications from retailers and consumers indicate strong growth in 2020.  

Zespri is offering retailers a 360-degree approach to services through an extensive consumer digital campaign utilizing social media, email campaigns, coupons, online videos and display advertising. The company is continuing its ‘Let Your Taste Wander’ campaign that was launched in 2019. 

New this year, the SunGold kiwifruits are packaged in a one-pound custom-designed clamshell that sits vertically on the display for greater visibility and encourages sales because enclosed products are selling better than open product during these unprecedented times, according to Zespri.