Giumarra Seeka kiwiberries

US importer-distributor Giumarra Wenatchee has announced the second season of its New Zealand-grown kiwiberries.

The fruit is offered in partnership with Seeka, one of New Zealand’s premier produce companies, with the kiwiberries shipping through to the end of March.

Kiwiberries are the smaller, smooth-skinned relative of fuzzy green kiwifruit and can be eaten out of hand without peeling, making them a convenient snack for consumers. They offer the same sweet-tangy flavour and nutritional benefits of traditional kiwifruit, being high in vitamin C and potassium.

“With the ever-growing global demand for kiwiberries, production is increasing at a record pace, allowing us to provide good volumes of high quality product for an extended period of time,” said Jason Bushong, division manager of Giumarra Wenatchee. “All product is shipped via air to assure optimum quality, shelf life, and flavour.”

The kiwiberries are grown in the Bay of Plenty of New Zealand’s North Island, with the microclimate of the Te Puke region renowned for growing high quality kiwiberries.

“We recommend merchandising kiwiberries in the refrigerated berry section to take advantage of the high sales volume and consumer popularity of the berry category,” noted Scott Ross, eastern region business manager. “Their green colour adds visual excitement to the colourful berry department. Additionally, there is untapped marketing potential for kiwiberries due to their nutrient density, convenience, and distinctiveness.”

“Giumarra is proud to represent our grower partners Seeka in the pursuit of providing a great-eating experience to the consumer,” Bushong added.