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Zespri ZAG Innovation Fund Begins Its Second Year

Zespri, recognized as the world's leading kiwifruit distributor with revenues exceeding $2.5 billion and controlling one-third of the global market, is committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainability. The company has reaffirmed its investment of $2 million into the ZAG Innovation Fund, which is dedicated to enhancing sustainable practices within the kiwifruit industry. This renewed focus aims to meet the increasing demand for kiwis while promoting an environmentally friendly approach to agriculture.

After successfully launching ZAG in November 2023, Zespri is now rallying innovators and industry pioneers to enhance climate resilience throughout food systems. The initiative seeks solutions that can enhance productivity while reducing carbon footprints, particularly in vineyard practices. The ZAG Fund has already attracted over 100 project proposals from more than 15 countries, turning 11 of these ideas into pilot programs.

The pilot projects span four pivotal areas:
1. Improving Quality and Productivity: Initiatives are designed to boost the overall quality and productivity of kiwi orchards.
2. Promoting Well-Being: Projects that encourage the consumption of kiwis as a means to enhance public health.
3. Environmental Protection: Solutions aimed at safeguarding and improving natural ecosystems.
4. Supporting Kiwi Industry Prosperity: Initiatives benefiting farmers and local communities tied to kiwi production.

Among the exciting developments from the ZAG Fund are sustainability efforts such as utilizing biochar in kiwi orchards to improve soil health while mitigating emissions. Additionally, advanced technology is being employed to analyze unique chemical signatures emitted by kiwis, facilitating better harvest planning. Microwave detection technology has also been explored as an innovative non-destructive quality assessment method of kiwis, minimizing waste.

Jiunn Shih, Chief Marketing, Innovation, and Sustainability Officer at Zespri, reflected on the inaugural year of the ZAG Fund, stating, "We have experienced a highly successful first year with ZAG. It has allowed us to connect with innovative individuals worldwide to tackle critical challenges in our industry and meet the soaring demand for kiwis. This is just the beginning."

As Zespri embarks on the second year, it aims to intensify its focus on climate resilience and the development of solutions that will foster a more sustainable future, one kiwi at a time. The strategy will involve quarterly refreshes of ZAG's objectives, with the initial emphasis on climate resilience as part of their commitment to achieving a positive carbon balance by 2035. Future priorities will also be evaluated in line with emerging challenges and opportunities.

The emphasis on climate resilience extends to incorporating solutions that enhance both kiwi quality and soil health, focusing on improving water retention, increasing biodiversity, and boosting carbon storage. These practices aim to support growers, enhance orchard resilience, and maintain productivity while securing sustainable growth.

With more than 4,000 global producers, Zespri is among the most recognized fruit brands worldwide, delivering delicious fruit to over 50 countries. The long-term sustainability goals of Zespri are closely aligned with and accelerated through the initiatives driven by the ZAG Fund.

For further details or to seek funding support, visit Zespri ZAG Fund. The annual ZAG report, detailing the first year's 11 pilot projects, is available here.

ABOUT ZESPRI

Zespri is dedicated to pushing innovation and sustainability in kiwifruit production and consumption, ensuring a healthier future through its initiatives.