Malaysia has received an uninterrupted 12-month supply of Zespri-branded kiwifruit for the first time ever.
Malaysian importer Chop Tong Guan reported that the New Zealand 2013 and 2014 Zespri seasons were “well bridged” by French and Italian Zespri supplies for the first time, thanks to an improvement in European kiwifruit eating quality.
“Northern Hemisphere Zespri quality has improved considerably over the years, with more dry matter and a similar taste to New Zealand, so we could market them over two seasons and consumers are pleased with the taste,” Chop Tong Guan director Koay Swee Aik told Asiafruit.
“At this moment in time, the new season New Zealand Zespri is entering the market, and we have Northern Hemisphere Zespri finishing, so it is a successful full cycle of Zespri in 12 months.”
Koay said Zespri kiwifruit was consistently well positioned at retail and wholesale level over the year-long period, which bodes well for future brand growth on the market.
“This augurs well for consumer loyalty, brand building and also market representation,” Koay said. “From now on we will build on the 12-month supply with more concrete planning and market spending.”
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