Zespri Kiwifruit

Zespri is a globally recognized brand synonymous with premium kiwifruit. Its origins trace back to 1904 when kiwifruit seeds (then known as Chinese Gooseberries) were first introduced to New Zealand. The brand itself was launched in 1997 by the New Zealand Kiwifruit Marketing Board, which was later corporatized into Zespri International Limited in 2000.

While New Zealand is the primary source of Zespri kiwifruit, the company operates a sophisticated global supply strategy to ensure year-round availability. It licenses growers in several other countries, including Italy, France, Greece, Japan, and South Korea. This allows Zespri to provide fresh fruit to the northern hemisphere during the New Zealand off-season.

Zespri remains uniquely structured as a grower-owned cooperative. It is 100% owned by current and former New Zealand kiwifruit growers. This structure ensures that the profits and strategic direction of the brand remain in the hands of the producers themselves. As of 2026, the company continues to execute its '2035 Strategy,' aiming to be the world's healthiest fruit brand through its 'Grown for Good' platform.