NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF.  – Zespri kicked off its summer SunGold kiwifruit deal with its first-ever charter vessel shipment.

The company received its first arrival of fruit May 9 at the Port of Los Angeles. 

“Our SunGold kiwifruit continues to be on-trend and is driving the category,” said Susan Noritake, Zespri’s head of sales for the North American market. “Zespri is the No. 1 fastest growing fruit in the fruit bowl, outpacing total fruit by 12 points. SunGoldTM Kiwi accounts for 63% of the category’s growth. We have a lot of marketing resources available for retailers, including customized programs and free shipper displays, to help them capitalize on the increasing demand.”

In an effort to drive brand awareness and purchases, Zespri’s “Go Sweet. Be Bold” consumer campaign includes digital media, social media, and influencer marketing along with mass sampling efforts at major events. 

Zespri is using high-reach digital channels including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for the campain. And to entice shoppers to buy in-store, Zespri’s new shipper displays feature bright, eye-catching graphics highlighting the sweet taste and nutrition messages from the integrated campaign.