FAQ's

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. Because there are some differences in the composition of Green, SunGold and RubyRed kiwifruit, this means that there are also possible differences in the way people that are sensitive to kiwifruit may react. Virtually all food groups can cause an allergic reaction in some sensitised people. 

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. This was recognised when Green kiwifruit became the first fresh fruit ever to receive an authorised health claim from the European Commission, marking a breakthrough for the fresh produce industry. The Commission officially approved the health claim that "consumption of green kiwifruit contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency" – based on a daily intake of two fresh green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. Hayward) providing a minimum of 200g of flesh.

Can you eat kiwifruit skins?

Yes, Zespri Kiwifruit skin is 100% edible and safe to eat. While some prefer peeling or scooping, eating the skin reduces food waste and requires zero prep. Just give it a good rinse and enjoy the delicious goodness.

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.

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?

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 kiwifruit as our bodies have to digest the food matrix 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. Zespri Green, SunGold and RubyRed kiwifruit are all certified low GI foods and clinical research has shown that there are no negative effects on glycaemic measures from kiwifruit consumption.

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.

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.

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.

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 Team for their reference.