Zespri opened its North American offices in 2017 and launched SunGold Kiwifruit. They said the launch was met with remarkable success due to customized programs, regional market development managers, and strong consumer and retail marketing campaigns. Within the kiwifruit category, Golden kiwifruit drove the category dollar gain with sales increasing 125 percent for the 52-weeks ending 12/03/17. Zespri’s SunGold Kiwifruit led the growth and represents 80 percent of the Golden kiwifruit category with 27.8m lbs. sold to establish a new sales record.
“As our 2017 season comes to an end, we are looking forward to 2018,” explains Ben Hughes, Zespri’s General Manager, Americas. “Zespri is already working with retailers to set-up exciting programs for the 2018 season as New Zealand shipments begin arriving in May. We have plans to target 50 percent growth for the coming year and extend the season through Zespri-grown Italian fruit so consumers can begin to enjoy Zespri SunGold though winter.”
Zespri claim their brand guarantees that consumers are consistently getting the best-tasting kiwifruit. The company said that all Zespri kiwifruit is grown for taste and delivers on Zespri’s comprehensive system of quality standards.
“Consumers have embraced and celebrated the SunGold with us,” explains Sarah Deaton, Zespri’s North American marketing manager. “Consumer response to the new SunGold has been overwhelmingly positive with brand awareness increasing by seven percent in one season.”
To help promote SunGold Kiwifruit, retailers were able to order point-of-purchase displays and other merchandising material, which featured the “Celebrate the SunGold” graphics that tied into the consumer campaign. The campaign targeted specific markets with billboard advertising, and social and digital components designed to convey joy, optimism, and excitement to consumers by leveraging SunGold as a moment of celebration with the season arrival.
Zespri also launched regional display contests to promote and encourage trial of SunGold. The larger displays drove trial because of in-store visibility. “Our retail display contest resulted in a 400 percent increase in sales during the promotional period,” explains Deaton. “The results were remarkable. We plan to expand the contest during our 2018 season.”
For more information:
Jill Netzel
+1 (818) 718-8084 ext. 212