Zespri to commercialize additional red variety to support growth of Zespri RubyRed
Zespri to commercialize additional red variety to support growth of Zespri RubyRed
Zespri has approved the commercialization of an additional red kiwifruit variety, Red80, to extend the commercial selling season for Zespri RubyRed kiwifruit.
The decision follows a doubling of Zespri RubyRed volumes this year, with more than 3 million trays sold across key markets, including New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea and the United States.
CEO Jason Te Brake said the move reflects Zespri’s commitment to developing new cultivars that strengthen its leadership in the kiwifruit category while maximizing value for New Zealand growers.
“We have a proud history of innovation that has set us apart from competitors, and today’s decision is another example of the ongoing work our industry undertakes to meet the needs of global consumers and deliver strong value to growers,” Te Brake said.
He said demand for a consistent supply across Zespri’s full portfolio — including Zespri Green, Zespri SunGold and Zespri RubyRed — continues to grow, making the extension of the RubyRed sales season a strategic priority.
Red kiwifruit generally has a shorter storage life than green and gold varieties, limiting the current sales window to about eight weeks. Red80 is harvested later than the existing Red19 variety and has a longer storage life, allowing the two cultivars to work together to keep Zespri RubyRed available to consumers for a longer period.
“By extending availability, we can build awareness, encourage repeat purchases and lift demand,” Te Brake said.
Following the commercialization of Red19 in 2019, Zespri RubyRed was first sold commercially in 2022 and has since expanded into 13 markets. The variety is known for its vibrant red flesh, sweet berry flavor and distinct nutritional profile, and has attracted new and younger consumers to the category.
Zespri research shows about 30 percent of RubyRed purchasers are new to kiwifruit, creating additional opportunities for the company’s other products, Te Brake said.
Red80 was naturally bred by the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, Zespri’s joint venture with Plant & Food Research. Zespri currently has 20 kiwifruit, kiwiberry and male varieties in pre-commercial trials, part of its strategy to accelerate the introduction of new cultivars and drive future growth. The company surpassed its goal of reaching $4.5 billion in global sales by 2025.
Te Brake said 100 hectares of Red80 licenses will be made available to growers in 2026, including a cutover pool for existing Red19 growers. Red80 is expected to reach commercial volumes in 2028, supporting long-term growth and value for Zespri RubyRed growers.