Zespri kiwifruit is coming to more than 1.5 million consumers this season, and the New Zealand exporter is predicting record sales as a result.

The Zespri roadshow will bring a vibrant splash of colour and style to the UK's county shows and events including the Great Yorkshire Show and the National Adventure Sport Show.

Kiwifruits are also making a splash at 14 of the UK's beach resorts with a volleyball spree. Zespri advertising and sampling will be making its presence felt at The British Open, the Junior National Championships and the International Student Invitational.

Lorraine Kirby, UK marketing manager, said: 'Zespri Gold has already caught the imagination of millions of consumers throughout the UK. We have a very strong national programme of support for both Zespri Gold and Zespri Green which will increase consumer awareness, generate extra sales and ensure another highly successful season.' This year's harvest of Zespri Gold kiwifruit is estimated at more than 300 million pieces, which will be available until October. Last year sales increased by 45 per cent.

Zespri Green kiwifruit also enjoyed a boom year in 2001, with a sales increase of 25 per cent, accounting for more than 80 per cent of Zespri's total sales.