ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. — Kiwifruit supplier Zespri has announced it will be exhibiting at booth #2487 at the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show Oct. 27-29 in Orlando, Fla.
Zespri will sponsor the Race for a Healthier World 5K on Oct. 28 and offer fresh SunGold Kiwifruit to participants to refresh after completing the race.
“We are very excited to attend IFPA this year,” said Dan Riley, Zespri’s general manager for the North American market. “It will be great to meet face-to-face to engage with retailers and industry partners to showcase our investment behind our advertising and sampling efforts, new shipper displays and customized shopper programs that have worked cohesively to drive sales at retail. Our season to-date has a growth rate of +29% compared to this time last season.”
According to the company, Zespri has aided in making kiwifruit the fastest growing fruit of the top 20 fruits in the United States within the last four years. Zespri has been responsible for 48% of kiwifruit sales since the beginning of the season. Last season, Zespri accounted for 43% of total sales.
“Zespri’s success can also be attributed to the high consumer demand for this deliciously sweet and nutritious fruit,” Riley said. “We established strong influencer partnerships to drive awareness and robust sampling programs that allowed shoppers to taste Zespri SunGold Kiwi. Top markets and focus regions saw an accelerated gain of new households. This means with every increase in penetration or new households, we drive more incremental value for the category.”
Prior to the IFPA’s inaugural show, Zespri exhibited at the PMA show for four years. According to the company, Zespri is known for having a fun, lively atmosphere at its booth.
This year, Zepsri will offer fresh samples of SunGold Kiwifruit throughout the exhibition hours and host a happy hour at its booth on both exhibition days 12-5 p.m. where SunGold-inspired drinks will be served.
According to the company, Zespri has previously received awards for “Best Team Attire” and “Best Team Spirit” at PMA shows and plans to dress to impress at the IFPA show as well.