Zespri International Limited is the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit and a globally recognized leader in branded fresh produce. Headquartered in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, Zespri operates as a grower-owned cooperative, managing an extensive network of kiwifruit growers and exporters in both hemispheres to ensure year-round global supply of premium-quality fruit.
Core Business
Zespri’s core operations focus on the global marketing, sales, and innovation of kiwifruit varieties under its own brand. The company does not grow fruit directly but acts as a centralised export and marketing body representing over 2,800 New Zealand growers and additional licensed growers offshore. Its integrated value chain model spans licensing, quality control, brand management, and global distribution.
Product and Service Offerings
Zespri offers a portfolio of premium kiwifruit varieties grown in New Zealand and partner countries including Italy, Japan, Korea, and France:
- Zespri Green Kiwifruit: Traditional, tangy kiwifruit rich in dietary fiber and Vitamin C
- Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit: Smooth, yellow-fleshed kiwifruit with tropical sweetness and high Vitamin C content
- Zespri Organic Kiwifruit: Certified organic Green and SunGold options
- Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit: A red-fleshed kiwifruit launched commercially in 2022 with berry-like flavor and antioxidant content
Specialization and Core USP
Zespri's key strengths lie in its ability to control and differentiate the global kiwifruit market through:
- Brand Ownership and Protection across over 50 international markets
- Year-Round Global Supply via dual-hemisphere growing strategies
- World-Class R&D and Variety Development through partnerships with Plant & Food Research
- Strict Quality Assurance Systems, including orchard-to-shelf traceability
- Sustainability Leadership, with commitments to carbon reduction and packaging innovation
Financial Overview
Zespri demonstrates strong and consistent financial performance with robust returns to growers:
- Total Global Sales (FY2022/23): NZD 3.92 billion (~USD 2.36 billion)
- Global Sales Volume: Over 183 million trays (approx. 650,000+ metric tons)
- Net Profit After Tax: NZD 238.7 million (~USD 144 million)
- Returns to New Zealand Growers: NZD 2.21 billion in FY2022/23
Shipment Records
As one of the world’s most organized fresh produce exporters, Zespri maintains complex, multi-modal shipping operations:
- Main Export Markets: China, Japan, Korea, Europe, USA
- China Sales (FY2022/23): Over 29 million trays, making it Zespri’s largest single market
- Northern Hemisphere Supply: Over 25 million trays sourced from Italy, France, and Greece
- Export Shipping Volume: Estimated over 20,000+ refrigerated containers annually
Target Markets
Zespri targets premium consumer markets worldwide with a strong presence in:
- Retail Supermarkets
- High-End Fruit Boutiques
- E-commerce Platforms (especially in Asia)
- Foodservice and Nutraceutical Ingredient Buyers
Top geographic markets include:
- Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan
- Europe: Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy
- North America: USA and Canada
- Middle East and Southeast Asia
Capabilities
- State-of-the-Art Post-Harvest Facilities and packhouses across New Zealand and Europe
- Global Sales and Marketing Teams operating in more than 20 countries
- Multi-Channel Marketing with extensive digital presence, retail campaigns, and in-store activations
- Proprietary Supply Chain Management Platform ensuring visibility and cold chain compliance
- Investments in Genetics and R&D, with over NZD 50 million in research spending over 5 years
Certifications and Compliance
- GlobalG.A.P. Certification for all grower orchards
- BRCGS and HACCP food safety certifications across all packing and handling centers
- Organic Certifications under JAS, USDA Organic, and EU Organic standards
- Sustainability Audits and Carbon Reporting under Toitū Envirocare and other frameworks
Customer Testimonials
“Zespri’s kiwifruit is unmatched in quality, consistency, and branding. Their team is highly professional, and their logistics operations are seamless.”
— Li Wei, Import Director, Shanghai Golden Orchard Trading Co.
“We trust Zespri as our exclusive supplier for premium kiwifruit. Their SunGold variety is the fastest-growing item in our produce section.”
— Emma Clarke, Category Manager, Fresh Foods Ltd. UK
Major Achievements
- Commercial launch of Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit after more than a decade of R&D
- Ranked among the Top 10 Most Valuable Food Brands in New Zealand (Brand Finance)
- Achieved +42% growth in China sales over the past three years
- Recognized with the NZ International Business Award for Excellence in Exporting
- Developed a roadmap to reach carbon neutrality across all operations by 2035
