Zespri: Bringing Premium Kiwifruit to Consumers Worldwide

Zespri International Limited


Zespri is a New Zealand-based horticultural company and one of the world's most recognized fruit brands, responsible for the global marketing and distribution of premium-quality kiwifruit. Working closely with New Zealand growers and international production partners, the company supplies fresh kiwifruit to consumers in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Grower-Owned Success Story

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, Zespri was established to unify New Zealand's kiwifruit exporters under a single global brand. Operating as a grower-owned cooperative company, Zespri coordinates production, quality assurance, marketing, and research activities on behalf of its grower shareholders.

Through its unique export model outside Australasia, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering consistent quality, reliable supply, and premium branding across international markets.

Premium Varieties and Innovation

Zespri is best known for its flagship varieties, including Zespri Green, based on the traditional Hayward cultivar, and the highly successful Zespri SunGold, a sweeter yellow-fleshed kiwifruit developed through advanced breeding programmes.

The company continues to invest heavily in research and development through its innovation programmes, focusing on new cultivars, disease resistance, orchard productivity, fruit quality, and sustainable growing practices.

Global Supply Chain Excellence

To ensure year-round availability, Zespri coordinates production across both hemispheres. While New Zealand remains the company's primary growing region, the company also works with licensed growers in countries including Italy, Japan, and South Korea to maintain supply during the New Zealand off-season.

This global sourcing strategy, combined with rigorous quality control and efficient logistics, has helped Zespri become the leading kiwifruit brand in major markets such as China, Japan, and Europe.

Sustainability and Community Commitment

Sustainability is a core component of Zespri's long-term strategy. The company has established ambitious targets focused on reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, improving packaging sustainability, and promoting responsible orchard management.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Zespri actively supports grower wellbeing and community development programmes throughout New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region, contributing significantly to the country's horticultural sector and rural economy.

Global Market Leadership

Today, Zespri is widely regarded as the world's leading kiwifruit marketer, combining strong brand recognition, premium fruit quality, innovation, and sustainable business practices. Its grower-owned model and commitment to excellence continue to drive demand for New Zealand kiwifruit in global markets.

Company Snapshot

  • Founded: 1997
  • Headquarters: Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
  • Type: Grower-Owned Cooperative Company
  • Products: Zespri Green, Zespri SunGold and Organic Kiwifruit
  • Global Reach: Exports to more than 50 countries
  • Industry Focus: Kiwifruit Production, Marketing and Distribution