Zespri
 | |
| Industry | Horticulture |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand |
Key people | Daniel Mathieson, CEO |
| Website | zespri.com |
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.
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]
References
- ^ Howard, Rebecca. "New Zealand's kiwifruit heading home to China". U.S. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
- ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
- ^ "Cuttings of prized SunGold kiwifruits were smuggled to China and NZ growers are divided over what to do about it". Retrieved 2 June 2021.)
- ^ "BWM dentsu Sydney puts Australian spin on Zespri Kiwifruit campaign". Retrieved 7 August 2022.)
- ^ "Zespri forecasts big net profit dip and confirms NZX listing". NZ Herald. 9 December 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
- ^ Morrison, Tina (27 February 2023). "Zespri lowers profit forecast on poor fruit quality, confirms listing plans". Stuff. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
- ^ "New Kiwifruit Breeding Centre driving greater innovation to commence in 2021". Plant & Food Research. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ a b "Dr Matt Glenn named inaugural Kiwifruit Breeding Centre CEO". Zespri. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ a b Burry, Maja (2 December 2020). "Zespri aiming for Crown research partnership to develop new kiwifruit varieties". RNZ. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ "New kiwifruit breeding centre confirmed for Bay of Plenty". Bay of Plenty Times. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
External links
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