Recognized by Good Housekeeping's 2025 Best Snack Award for the fifth consecutive year, Zespri's SunGold Kiwifruit was well received by both nutrition and taste by retail dietitians, culinary pros, and at-home testers. Back-to-school snacks are expected to be strong this season, with global sales projected to exceed $100 billion, driven by parental demand for convenient and healthy options.¹
"The Good Housekeeping award reinforces our reliability and quality as a healthy snack option," says Bianca Fiedler, Zespri's trade marketing director, North America. "It's nice to be acknowledged by registered dietitians, chefs, culinary pros, and consumers for both nutrition and flavor. Our kiwis are nutrient-dense, complete with more than 20 vitamins and minerals, including 100 percent of recommended daily vitamin C needs, as well as other key nutrients that support overall health, such as fiber, folate, and potassium."
© Zespri
Zespri is the #1 brand in the kiwi category, with Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit fueling 49 percent of total kiwi category growth in the past year, with profit potential in the category.² When looking at the total fruit bowl, kiwi is the fastest growing fruit³ across the department, increasing by over +24 pts faster than the Fruit department growth rate.♠
The brand has had a strong start to the season in the U.S. market. Improved distribution across retail and faster sales rates are due to increasing shopper demand. Additionally, more retailers added Green Kiwifruit to their assortment. "It's been fun to see the omni-channel buzz generated by our Zespri KiwiBrothers™ brand characters both in and out of the store," says Fiedler. The KiwiBrothers have been part of media sampling and event activations, reaching consumers in key markets and driving shoppers to stores. The brand's key shopper metrics, such as household penetration, repeat rate, and buy rate, have all over-indexed vs. the same time last season.♣
Retailers are encouraged to stock up so shoppers can find their favorite kiwi brand. Shipper units displayed near the front of the store in the produce section can assist sales.
SunGold and Green Kiwifruit can be eaten or used as an ingredient in a number of kid-friendly recipes. "Retailers can feature these recipes in their weekly circulars or social channels to promote Zespri's award-winning kiwifruit for back-to-school," Fiedler said.
1 Top of the Class: Back-to-School Snacks that Make the Grade, Bakery & Snacks, July 28, 20251
2, ♠, ♣ Circana Total US MULO+ (2025 NZ Season – WE 7/13/25)
3 When looking at the total fruit bowl, kiwi is the fastest-growing fruit (minimum $10MM total sales)
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