"Four more weeks before the New Zealand kiwi season comes to an end. For SunGold, we have switched to Italian fruit since the end of week 42 and the green kiwis are also switching to European products by the end of November,” says Nele Moorthamers, marketing manager of Zespri Europe. “We are very satisfied with the switch to the European season. Although the European sizes are slightly smaller this year, we expect a positive season. "
Kiwi consumption in the elevator
2019 was the first year in which the global SunGold volume was equal to the Green volume. “The demand for SunGold still exceeds the supply. The popularity of SunGold began in Asia, but Europeans are also getting a taste for it. However, this does not mean that the sale of green kiwis is declining. We notice that many consumers eat both types, but on different occasions. In addition, the consumption of green kiwis is increasing in some European countries, including Germany," says Nele.
"Red variety has enormous potential"
During the New Zealand season, Zespri did try-outs in Singapore and New Zealand with the red kiwi. “The reactions were very positive, the fruit had a nice vibrant colour and the taste was also very good. During the European season we will do a sales trial with a small volume at Cactus in Luxembourg," says Moorthamers.
"Although the red variety has enormous potential, we still see some challenges. However, we hope that we can overcome these challenges and are therefore also analysing all data. Based on this information we can then decide whether we want to commercialise the red variety later this year to the farmers. If the storage problem can be solved, we think that the red kiwi will not only be popular in the Asian markets, but also in the European market. "
Kiwis all year round
“12-month supply is one of the most important strategies for Zespri to maintain trade relations and shelf space throughout the year and to be available to consumers throughout the year. If we only sold kiwi from New Zealand, we would be without fruit for 3 to 4 months a year. Zespri Global Supply is a supplement to New Zealand's supply, "Nele continues. "To deliver the best quality kiwis year-round, Zespri has been working with growers and post-harvest operators in Europe for almost two decades to continue investing in quality."
"Warehouse in Zeebrugge is bursting at the seams"
Zespri is currently building a new warehouse in Zeebrugge. The works are expected to be ready by the start of the new New Zealand season 2020. “Our current station for the European market is bursting at the seams. The current packing station dates from 2014 and is filled to the brim with people and machines. This year we processed 1.4 billion New Zealand kiwi fruit and our retail customers are increasingly demanding packaging. That is why we are investing 11 million euros in an adjacent new building, "concludes Nele.
For more information:
Nele Moorthamers
Zespri International (Europe) 
Posthof bridge 10 bus 3
B-2600 Berchem
+ 32 3 201 08 05
Nele.moorthamers@zespri-europe.com
www.zespri.eu