Asuken Partners with Zespri for a Nutrient-Rich Kiwi Challenge to Combat Deficiency

Asuken Partners with Zespri to Encourage Nutritional Awareness

In an innovative move to tackle nutrition deficiencies in Japan, Asuken, the leading AI meal management app with over 12 million users, has partnered with Zespri International Japan. Together, they are launching a campaign aimed at promoting healthier eating habits through the consumption of kiwis, especially on Nutrition Day, August 4, 2025.

The collaboration is part of Zespri's larger initiative, the "Zespri Nutrition Reform Project," which aims to address the pressing dietary needs of the Japanese population. According to recent studies, one in three adults in Japan suffers from nutrient deficiencies, especially in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This alarming statistic has prompted Zespri to take action by providing 100,000 servings of kiwi fruit to schools and child care facilities across the nation through its initiative, "Kiwi for Kids."

The Kiwi Challenge Campaign

From August 4 to September 8, 2025, the Asuken app will host the "Easy and Delicious Kiwi Challenge!" This campaign encourages users to integrate nutrient-packed kiwis into their daily meals to enhance their nutritional balance. Participants can enjoy the benefits of kiwi while increasing their health awareness and scores on the Asuken platform.

Among the findings from recent research conducted by both companies, adding fruit to lunchboxes can boost health scores by an impressive 22%. Notably, those who included fruit in their lunches—especially kiwis—showed significantly higher levels of essential nutrients compared to those who did not. For example, vitamin and mineral intake was found to be 3.46 times higher in men and 2.93 times higher in women who regularly added fruit to their meals.

Importance of Nutrient-Rich Foods

Kiwis are small fruits packed with vital nutrients that many modern diets lack. Zespri's green kiwi is especially noteworthy for its balanced sweetness and abundant dietary fiber, making it an excellent choice for enhancing fiber intake. Meanwhile, Zespri's SunGold kiwi stands out for its tropical sweetness and high vitamin C content, ensuring that one kiwi can meet daily vitamin requirements.

The substantial health benefits of incorporating kiwis into meals underscore the significance of small dietary changes leading to positive outcomes in nutrition. In light of this, both companies believe that their partnership will accelerate efforts to promote healthy eating among the Japanese population—ultimately addressing the serious issue of nutrient deficiency.

Detailed Overview of the Challenge

The campaign will challenge participants to consume Zespri kiwis for at least three days within the challenge period and log their meals in the Asuken app. There will be prizes for those who successfully complete the challenge, including a month's supply of kiwis for top participants and chances to win kiwi-themed merchandise.

Conclusion

Asuken and Zespri are committed to improving nutritional education and access to healthy foods. By encouraging the consumption of kiwis, they hope to foster a culture of health and wellness in Japan. This collaboration not only highlights the importance of proper nutrition but also demonstrates how small changes, such as adding fruit to meals, can lead to substantial improvements in health outcomes. For more information on the initiative and how to participate in the Kiwi Challenge, users can check the Asuken app directly. This partnership is a significant step towards healthier futures for individuals and communities across Japan.