Zespri, a leading producer of high-quality kiwifruit, is gearing up for an exciting season ahead with the availability of more than three million trays, or 10,800 tons, of Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit. This season also marks the first time the fruit will be available in several new markets, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
The RubyRed harvest is set to begin in New Zealand in the coming weeks, with a significant increase in volume expected in Mainland China to over one million trays, or 3,500 tons, and in Japan to one million trays. Additionally, Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit will also be introduced in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Pacific Islands for the first time this season.
CEO Jason Te Brake expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, noting that the volume of Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit has doubled compared to the previous season. With its sweet berry taste, vibrant red flesh color, and high antioxidant content, Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit offers exciting health benefits and flavor profiles for consumers.
As the harvest kicks off in mid-February, Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit will soon be available in supermarkets and fruit and vegetable stores across the Asia Pacific region. The fruit will see increased availability in core markets such as Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, as well as a return to markets like New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, along with the new markets being introduced this season.
Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit is the latest addition to Zespri’s kiwifruit breeding program, developed in partnership with Plant & Food Research. With 2025 marking the fourth year of commercial production, this variety is naturally high in Vitamin C and contains anthocyanins, which are naturally occurring pigments that give the fruit its distinctive red color.
Te Brake highlighted the popularity of Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit and its appeal to new and younger consumers, complementing the existing Green and SunGold varieties. The seasonal availability of RubyRed adds a sense of excitement and exclusivity, as it is the first variety to hit the market from New Zealand each season and is only available for a limited time once it reaches store shelves.
With increasing volumes of Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit, the company aims to meet growing demand and maximize value for its growers. Te Brake emphasized the importance of continuing to build knowledge around this variety and leveraging its unique characteristics to drive further market growth.
In a related article, Zespri’s RubyRed exports have seen a threefold increase, highlighting the global appeal and success of this unique kiwifruit variety. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has positioned Zespri as a trusted and preferred brand among consumers worldwide.
As Zespri prepares for a bountiful harvest and expansion into new markets, the future looks bright for Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit. With its exceptional flavor, health benefits, and striking red color, this variety continues to captivate consumers and drive growth in the kiwifruit category.
