Record volumes of Zespri green kiwifruit are expected to hit the UK market from May 13 with organic product following on May 27 and Gold due on June 6 as harvesting is ahead of schedule.

Zespri is hopeful that Gold will double its sales in the UK on last year and will account for eight per cent of total kiwifruit sales from Zespri on the UK market. 'Zespri Gold has already caught the imagination of millions of consumers throughout the UK,' said UK marketing manager Lorraine Kirby. 'This year's significant increase in volume will allow us to satisfy the anticipated record demand for this sensational fruit.' Thanks to the increased volumes, the season for Gold is forecast to go on longer in 2002, until October.

Zespri is continuing its efforts to supply its brand year round and is setting up model orchards in Italy, California, Japan and Chile to grow its green fruit.

Standard green kiwifruit still accounts for 80 per cent of UK sales with organic expected to take a 10 per cent share this year.

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