FAQ's

IMPORTING/EXPORTING

Does Zespri sell kiwifruit in New Zealand?

Zespri sells a very small volume of Class 2 kiwifruit on the New Zealand market. Zespri suppliers have their own programmes, usually through a distributor, for the local market.

How can I export New Zealand kiwifruit?

Export of kiwifruit from New Zealand is governed by the Kiwifruit Export Regulations 1999. The regulations permit only Zespri or collaborative marketers approved by Kiwifruit New Zealand (KNZ) to export New Zealand-grown kiwifruit. The Regulations do not apply to the sale of such kiwifruit in New Zealand, or its export for consumption in Australia. If you have any queries about purchasing fruit once it has been exported into your country, please contact contact.canopy@zespri.com for assistance.

I would like to purchase Zespri Kiwifruit for my fruit distribution business?

If you would like to discuss the opportunity to purchase Zespri New Zealand kiwifruit in the market you are enquiring about please email contact.canopy@zespri.com and provide some background information regarding your fruit distribution business. If this information warrants further discussion we will provide the names of our local distribution agents for you to contact.

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Can a pregnant women eat Zespri kiwifruit?

Yes. There is no reason pregnant women cannot include kiwifruit as a part of a normal varied diet. As a fruit, kiwifruit is a good source of nutrients (including vitamin C, E and folate) and fibre. Green kiwifruit can also help with digestive comfort which can be an issue for some women during pregnancy.

Can kiwifruit cause an allergic response?

Kiwifruit are a delicious, highly-nutritious fruit and an exceptional source of natural vitamin C. They are suitable for all generations. However – for a small number of individuals – kiwifruit may trigger an allergic response. Virtually all food groups can cause an allergic reaction in some sensitised people. Globally, the incidence of food allergy is reported to be increasing, along with the incidence of kiwifruit allergy.

People with allergies to dust mites, pollen and latex are more likely to be allergic to kiwifruit. Care should be taken when first introducing kiwifruit or new varieties of kiwifruit to children, particularly those with other known food allergies.

Children should be supervised and observed carefully for any adverse reactions. People with a known kiwifruit allergy should avoid all kiwifruit.

Can kiwifruit regulate good bowel movement?

Yes! Green kiwifruit in particular are well-documented for their contribution to regulating bowel movements. We have the first self-substantiated health claim for the digestive health benefits of kiwifruit in Australia/NZ and the first health claim for a fresh whole fruit.

Can you eat kiwifruit skins?

Generally, we cut kiwifruit in half and scoop it out with a spoon. If you prefer to eat the skin, it is safe to eat. Most of the benefits such as vitamins and fibre are actually in the flesh of the fruit. If however, you were to eat the skin, then that contributes to additional fibre.

I have a mild reaction to Green but not to Gold. Why is that?

Because there are some differences in the composition of green and gold kiwifruit, this means that there are also possible differences in the way people that are sensitive to kiwifruit may react.

Occasionally, people experience oral irritation to green kiwifruit due to small crystal structures of natural fruit acids present. These seem to be present to a lesser extent in gold kiwifuit.

This may explain why you are able to enjoy gold kiwifruit. These crystal bundles are present in other fruits too, such as pineapple to which people often experience the oral irritation as well. The other common attribute between kiwifruit and pineapple is the protein digesting enzyme: actinidin in kiwifruit and bromelain in pineapple which may contribute to this irritation. Actinidin is present at 26% the level in Gold as it is in Green kiwifruit.
 

Is eating kiwifruit good for eye sight because it contains a lot of vitamin C?

It is well recognized that vitamin C is important for eye health. Kiwifruit are one of the best natural food sources of vitamin C and consuming kiwifruit is a very effective way of maintaining a good vitamin C status. There has been no direct research linking the vitamin C content of kiwifruit to eye function. Kiwifruit also contains a range of other phytonutrients also associated with eye health such as the carotenoids but again Zespri has not completed any direct research linking the two.

Is Green Kiwifruit healthier than Gold?

The quality of both varieties is excellent and they are both are very healthful fruit. However, they have slightly different nutritional composition and therefore different health benefits. Whilst the gold has a slightly different flavour profile, it is also typically higher in vitamin C than the green (160mg per100g versus 85 mg per100g), although they both deliver well over 100% of the recommended daily allowance (which is 60mg in US or 80mg in Eu).

Green kiwifruit would be the best choice for digestive health benefits in terms of laxation and comfort whereas Sungold is great for immune benefits due to the very high levels of vitamin C. Sungold have three times the amount of vitamin C as an orange. Both green and gold kiwifruit have approximately equivalent levels of potassium as a banana.

Is kiwifruit more acidic or alkaline?

Kiwifruit is an acidic fruit. It contains a range of natural organic fruit acids: citric, quinic, malic and of course ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for which it is well known.

Is Zespri Kiwifruit good for weight management?

Kiwifruit, like many fruits, provides a good supply of nutrients, and is relatively low in calories. Fruit and vegetables are important in all diets but especially for those attempting to manage their weight.

What are the iodine levels in kiwifruit?

​A recently completed investigation into the full nutritional profile of kiwifruit showed that the iodine levels were below the detection threshold. The values were reported as <0.2mcg/100g of flesh. Kiwifruit can be good for those wishing to include low iodine foods in their diet.

What effect does kiwifruit have on blood glucose levels for diabetics?

Glycaemic response depends not just on the absolute amount of sugars but also the food structure that the sugars are contained within. A glucose solution would get into the blood faster than the same sugars in a piece of fruit as our bodies have to digest the fruit to release the sugars. Glycaemic index is measured in people in the format that the food is eaten in so it is a good indication of the likely glycaemic response. Every individual is different and so we cannot make personal recommendations but this is an area we are actively researching so watch this space for more exciting results soon!

What is the average weight of a kiwifruit?

This varies year to year but fruit weight typically ranges from 100 to 120g. The edible portion is usually 80% of the whole weight

EMPLOYMENT

How can I find on-orchard work?

There are many job opportunities in the kiwifruit industry. If you are seeking this type of work, please visit the New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers website at www.nzkgi.org.nz.

Alternatively, there are multiple online resources that may assist you finding seasonal employment; www.picknz.co.nz, www.seasonaljobs.co.nz, www.trademe.co.nz/jobs

How can I work for Zespri?

Please click here to see the current employment positions that are available at Zespri. You can apply for available roles through this website, and your information will be sent to the Zespri People Teamfor their reference.

FRUIT QUALITY

I bought kiwifruit at my local New Zealand supermarket but I wasn't happy with the quality. What should I do?

We are sorry you had a bad eating experience with kiwifruit. Zespri is not involved in any kiwifruit sales in New Zealand. The fruit you purchased may have had a Zespri sticker, but fruit supplied to the local market is owned by post-harvest facilities and distributors. We have high standards for the fruit we export and expect the same from local distributors. We suggest taking the fruit back to your supermarket as they will be able to deal with the supplier directly.