First commercial volumes for European Zespri SunGold

Zespri's European kiwi season kicked off in December. Zespri is the only supplier of kiwi's who deliver the same taste and quality year round. They managed this thanks to the cultivation system they use. According to Nele Moorthamers, Benelux had an almost seamless transition from the New Zealand to European season. "Demand for Zespri kiwi fruit remains good and we are expecting a successful European season."

First commercial volumes of SunGold
Nele said that the total volume of Gold is 20% lower that the previous season. "That is a result of the change to SunGold. This winter we are putting the first commercial volumes of European SunGold in the market. In 2010, after a 10 year development phase, SunGold was introduced. This variety has a higher tolerance against PSA disease. Like our New Zealand product, over the coming years, we expect to see explosive growth in the volume of European SunGold. Last year there was massive planting of Sungold so in 2014 there will be growth in volume. Many orchards need one to two years before they are in full production, and then we hope to see the same volumes as in our record 2011 year. From 2015 we should see a great rise in SunGold volume."

Promotional campaigns
To support trade this winter Zespri have developed a number of promotions. "Together with our wholesalers in Belgium we are offering an instant incentive when they purchase a half pallet of Zespri kiwi's. This offer will run from 6th January and is subject to availability. Additionally from January throughout Benelux we will offer supporting actions. We have designed POS kits with exclusive promotional material and are sending out mystery shoppers to visit participating stores, we will also continue to remain active on Facebook. We are currently running our advent promotions on the Benelux pages where every day cool gadgets can be won."

For more information:
Nele Moorthamers
Marketing Manager Europe
ZESPRI International ( Europe) NV.
Posthofbrug 10 bus 3
B-2600 Berchem
T + 32 3 201 08 05
F +32 3 201 08 91
M +32 479 87 50 36
nele.moorthamers@zespri-europe.com
www.zespri-europe.com