Zespri said it is excited to launch RubyRed kiwifruit this season in the U.S. and Canada. It complements the Zespri portfolio of SunGold and green kiwi reaching nutrient-focused shoppers looking for something fresh and exciting. Shoppers can have a new eating experience with RubyRed kiwi’s vibrant red interior and delicious, berry-sweet taste. The innovative fruit is high in antioxidant Vitamin C. It also includes anthocyanins, naturally occurring pigments that give it its vibrant red color. 

More than five million trays of Zespri’s RubyRed kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.

The increased volume, up from 3 million trays last year as more orchards produce commercial volumes of fruit, will see consumers in Australia, Vietnam and Canada able to enjoy the sweet berry-like taste of Zespri’s RubyRed kiwifruit for the first time.

Zespri's 2025 season outperformed previous sales periods, with a retail sales increase of 46 percent year over year. To further build on this momentum, retailers and trade show attendees can learn more about what Zespri has in store for another exciting season, including a preview of a new consumer campaign and marketing programs, when they stop by Zespri’s booth — No. 825 — during the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure trade show in Orlando, FL, Feb. 26 – March 1.

Zespri has released its November forecast for the 2025-26 season with forecast per tray returns up for all fruit groups from the last forecast in August.

Forecast per tray returns for Zespri green, organic green and organic SunGold kiwifruit now exceed the top end of the August ranges. At a per-hectare level, record returns are now forecast for all fruit groups.

CEO Jason Te Brake said it’s been a strong season with a record crop of 215 million trays from New Zealand delivered to markets around the world.

Zespri kiwifruit delivered record-breaking results this season, cementing its role as a global leader in the kiwi category. Despite economic headwinds and stiff competition from other fruit categories this summer, Zespri has fueled double-digit growth with an earlier start to the season, expanded distribution of Zespri green, organic and Zespri RubyRed and continued strong consumer demand for Zespri SunGold kiwi, making kiwi the fastest-growing category in the fruit department.

Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said the kiwifruit forecast for the 2025-26 season reflects the strong start, with average per hectare returns forecast to reach record levels for all categories other than SunGold and organic green kiwi. 

“Our latest forecast is positive news for growers in a season with even more fruit to sell, with sales tracking well across our key markets including through the traditionally more competitive summer fruit season," he said.