The award was made by Organic Products Exporters of New Zealand and sponsored by Trade New Zealand.

Zespri is New Zealand's largest exporter and won the accolade for its successful marketing of NZ$25million (£7.6m) of organic kiwifruit.

Zespri's latest forecast returns for a tray of green organic kiwifruit this season are up to $10.02. This compares to $8.20 last season and $7.11 the year before.

Strong Japanese and European sales have helped sustain the result, reported Zespri, and there has also been a late season marketing push in Asia.