Zespri wins Supreme Award at 2026 New Zealand China Business Awards

Media Statement

12 Jun 2026

Zespri has been awarded the Supreme Award at the 2026 New Zealand China Business Awards, recognising excellence in the New Zealand-China business relationship.

The kiwifruit marketer has also been named the winner of the Large Business Trade category at the awards, which are sponsored by the New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA).

Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake says the recognition reflects the strength of the industry’s long-standing presence in China and partnerships built over many years.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition. This year marks 27 years of operating in China, and these awards are a meaningful acknowledgment of the strong strategic partnerships with leading distributors and retailers, alongside investment in supply chain infrastructure, which have supported Zespri’s growth and helped strengthen our presence in market.

“The awards also recognise our long-term investment in building the Zespri brand, innovation in new varieties and delivering an outstanding, healthy product to Chinese consumers.”

China is Zespri’s largest single country market with strong demand for high-quality kiwifruit underpinning continued growth and value for growers.

The company has 100 staff based across the Greater China region and works with a wide network of partners to supply fruit to more than 300,000 stores, with total sales of NZ$1.4 billion in the 2025/26 season.

Mr Te Brake says, “China is an incredibly important market for Zespri with significant growth potential. We remain focused on continuing to grow value and working closely with our partners to meet strong consumer demand and ensure the market continues to delivers strong value for growers going forward.”