International kiwifruit marketer Zespri has unveiled a new version of its Kiwi Farm for iPhone and iPod Touch.

The game, originally launched in September, is set in New Zealand and allows people to have a go at growing and decorating a virtual kiwifruit vine before harvesting the fruit it produces to gain points and real-world prizes.

Reflecting the harsh reality of New Zealand kiwifruit growers' recent struggle to combat the vine disease Psa, the new version of Kiwi Farm encourages players to scare off pests that try to attack the vine.

A spokesperson for Zespri said the game had proven popular with consumers, many of whom had taken part in a recent in-game competition.

'We received tens of thousands of participants playing from around the world growing their virtual Kiwi vine up to space and got the chance to win a trip to New Zealand,' the spokesperson said.

'The competition is now over and we are pleased to announce that our winner is coming from China. Congratulations to the virtual Kiwi Farmer and we wish him a great trip.'

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