#Singapore #Innovation Fund #Zespri #Kiwi

Zespri ZAG Innovation Fund: Driving Towards a Sustainable Future

Zespri, the world's leading marketer of kiwifruit, recently announced the launch of the second year of its ZAG Innovation Fund, setting its sights on fostering sustainable agricultural practices while meeting the increasing global demand for kiwis. With over $2.5 billion in annual revenue and a substantial share in the global kiwifruit market, Zespri's commitment of $2 million is aimed at igniting innovation that prioritizes environmental sustainability and improved productivity in kiwi orchards.

Launched in November 2023, the ZAG Innovation Fund seeks to connect innovators and pioneers to advance climate resilience within food systems. Zespri emphasizes the importance of developing solutions that not only enhance productivity in kiwi farming but also promote carbon-friendly practices. The initiative has already attracted significant interest, receiving over 100 applications from innovators spanning more than 15 countries, of which 11 have been selected for pilot programs.

The ZAG Fund's focus is segmented into four main areas:
1. Enhancing Kiwi Quality and Orchard Productivity: Initiatives aimed at improving the quality of kiwis while increasing productivity on fruit farms.
2. Promoting Consumer Well-being: Programs that encourage the health benefits of kiwi consumption.
3. Environmental Protection: Efforts dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the natural environment.
4. Fostering a Thriving Kiwi Industry: Supporting local communities and producers through industrial growth.

In its pilot projects, Zespri has put several sustainability measures to the test. Noteworthy innovations include the use of biochar in kiwi orchards to boost productivity while simultaneously reducing emissions. A technological breakthrough for analyzing the unique chemical signatures of fruits has also been introduced to aid in better planning for kiwi harvesting. Additionally, microwave technology is being explored as a non-destructive method for assessing kiwi quality without generating waste.

Reflecting on the successes of the past year, Jiunn Shih, Chief Marketing, Innovation, and Sustainability Officer at Zespri, remarked, "We've had a truly positive first year with the ZAG, connecting with innovative problem-solvers worldwide to address the critical challenges in our industry and satisfy the growing demand for kiwis. However, this is merely the beginning."

Looking forward, the second year will see an intensified focus on strengthening climate resilience and developing solutions that lead to a more sustainable future, one kiwi at a time. Zespri plans to renew its ZAG focus each quarter, initially spotlighting climate resilience, as part of its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and then considering other priority areas.

The ZAG initiative aims to provide solutions that not only enhance kiwi production but also improve soil health via better water retention, biodiversity, and carbon storage, ultimately aiding producers in enhancing orchard resilience while securing sustainable farming practices.

As one of the top fruit brands globally, Zespri collaborates with over 4,000 growers around the world to deliver delicious fruit to over 50 countries. The long-term sustainability goals closely align with the ZAG initiative and will be accelerated through this fund.

For more information or to apply for funding, please visit the official Zespri website at Zespri ZAG Fund.

For a comprehensive overview of the 11 pilot projects from the first year, refer to the ZAG annual report available on Zespri's website.

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ABOUT ZESPRI

Zespri's commitment to sustainability and excellence in the kiwi industry has propelled it to the forefront of global fruit marketing. Through innovations like the ZAG Fund, Zespri aims to ensure that its practices not only benefit producers but also the environment and consumers around the globe.