#New Zealand #Zespri #ZAG Fund #Kiwi Innovation #Mount Maunganui

Zespri's Commitment to Sustainability through ZAG Fund

Zespri, the largest kiwi marketer globally, has announced its ambitious plans as the ZAG Innovation Fund enters its second year. With a substantial investment of $2 million, Zespri is dedicated to accelerating sustainable innovation to meet the increasing demand for kiwis worldwide. In view of its strong market presence, generating over $2.5 billion in revenue while accounting for a third of the global kiwi industry, Zespri continues to innovate in a bid to fulfill both commercial and environmental responsibilities.

Since its inception in November 2023, ZAG has quickly gained momentum, attracting over 100 proposals from innovators across more than 15 countries. Among these, 11 projects are advancing to pilot programs that focus on four key areas: initiatives enhancing kiwi quality and orchard productivity, those promoting health and wellness through kiwi consumption, projects aimed at environmental protection, and efforts benefiting kiwi producers and their local communities.

One notable project under the ZAG initiative explores the use of biochar in kiwi orchards, which aims to enhance productivity while significantly lowering emissions. Other innovative technologies are being developed to analyze the unique chemical signatures emitted by kiwis, assisting in harvest planning while also utilizing non-destructive microwave detection methods to assess kiwifruit quality without generating waste.

Jiunn Shih, Zespri's Chief Marketing, Innovation, and Sustainability Officer, highlighted the positive developments from the first year of ZAG. "We’ve successfully connected with creative minds working on universal problems impacting our industry as we strive to meet the escalating demand for kiwis. However, this is just the beginning," said Shih.

As ZAG steps into its second year, the focus will sharpen on enhancing climate resilience. Zespri aims to collaborate with partners to achieve carbon positivity by 2035. This will involve implementing solutions that aid in producing better quality kiwis while fostering soil health through improved water retention, biodiversity, and carbon storage.

As one of the leading fruit brands globally, Zespri collaborates with over 4,000 producers to deliver delicious kiwis to more than 50 countries. The goals outlined by ZAG align closely with Zespri's long-term sustainability objectives, demonstrating their commitment to a proactive and responsible approach to the future of kiwi farming.

Zespri is keen to continue involving innovators from around the world to develop actionable solutions for a more sustainable kiwi industry. To learn more about ZAG or to submit a proposal, interested parties can visit Zespri's website.

The ZAG Annual Report, detailing the 11 pilot projects launched in the first year, is available for review, showcasing Zespri's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

In conclusion, as the ZAG Innovation Fund embarks on this new phase, Zespri underscores the significance of addressing climate challenges while enhancing the productivity and sustainability of the kiwi industry. The collaboration between innovators and industry leaders represents a forward-thinking approach to nurturing both environment and economy in one of the world's largest fruit markets.