Hongyang red kiwifruit

Zespri seeks to challenge the Hongyang variety

More details about a possible new red kiwifruit variety from New Zealand marketer Zespri have been released.

The New Zealand company is working in concert with crown institute Plant and Food Research to develop its own red kiwifruit variety to rival the Hongyang strain.

Zespri’s variety is slightly smaller than the green Hayward strain, and has a sweet taste like a tamarillo, reported the Sunday Star Times. It has a deep red core, fading to yellow-green near the skin.

The new variety is one of a number Zespri currently has in commercial trials, the results of which are expected to be announced next year.

The red Hongyang variety hit the market a number of years ago, but reportedly have less than stellar shelf life and handling properties, two things Zespri says a commercially successful kiwifruit needs.

“There are some characteristics of Hongyang that from Zespri’s perspective don’t make it a strong consumer offering,” Zespri CEO Lain Jager told Fruitnet last month.

“We like that it’s red and sweet, but we think it’s a bit small and doesn’t store well. It’s hard to deliver at consistent quality. We think there are better red varieties coming through, and we have some of our own coming through.”

Zespri introduced their yellow-fleshed variety 10 years ago, and has experienced runaway commercial success with the Zespri Gold brand since.

The push for new varieties is becoming increasingly important for New Zealand as production levels of the commodity variety Hayward increases worldwide, driving up competition in the category.

“We are trying to deliver the next generation of kiwifruit for the market to grow and increase the brand around the world,” said Zespri’s green produce category manager Rosstan Mazey.