Zespri Wraps Up Season With Record-Breaking Sales & Strong Category Performance; Darren LaMothe and Bianca Fiedler Comment

ORANGE COUNTY, CA - The 2025 season outperformed previous sales periods, with a retail sales increase of +46% year over year. This reinforces Zespri’s role as the #1 selling kiwi brand. To further build on this momentum, retailers and tradeshow 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 #825 during the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure (SEPC) trade show in Orlando, Florida, February 26 – March 1, 2026.

“2025 was a milestone season for Zespri in the U.S., not just in terms of sales, but in how kiwifruit is performing within the fruit bowl,” said Darren LaMothe, Zespri’s President, North America, in the recent release. “We saw exceptional results driven by expanded distribution, brand-led programs, and strong in-store execution. Zespri Kiwifruit continues to deliver a solid combination of volume growth and value retention, and that’s meaningful for retailers looking to drive both margin and momentum in the produce department.”

Zespri boosted both awareness and purchase through continued strong retail partnerships, standout in-store displays and packaging featuring the Zespri KiwiBrothers,™ along with robust marketing programs, which created a highly successful season for Zespri Kiwifruit. Distribution of 1,500 new stores and an earlier start to the season added to the success. Additionally, expanded distribution of Zespri Green and Organic; the West Coast trial of Zespri RubyRed™ Kiwifruit; and strong consumer demand for Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwifruit; all helped support the strong performance at retail. Kiwifruit is the fastest-growing fruit category in the department, posting +34% dollar growth versus year ago, with Zespri leading the category.

“As we look to the 2026 season, our focus is on building from that foundation,” LaMothe added. “Coming off a record year and launching a new consumer campaign, we see significant opportunity to continue growing the category and delivering incremental value at retail.”

Shoppers love the taste of Zespri’s Kiwifruit. There’s a flavor profile for every occasion. “From Green to SunGold and now RubyRed, our variety of kiwifruit is packed with both nutrition and flavor, which fulfills what consumers want as they prioritize health-forward, high-value fresh produce,” explains Bianca Fiedler, Zespri’s Trade Marketing Director, North America. “Entering the new season, we’re excited to reinforce what makes Zespri unique in produce: our kiwifruit ranks among the most nutritionally dense fruits, giving shoppers an easy and delicious way to boost their nutrition.”

Zespri is gearing up for a bold new campaign that taps into what consumers need most today: real nourishment in a world crowded with empty-calorie snacks and empty promises. As the nutrient-dense choice, the Zespri KiwiBrothers are on a mission to show shoppers there’s a better way to fuel their full, fast-paced lives. Their impact was unmistakable in 2025, driving one billion digital impressions, two million samples, and 50,000 in‑store displays that contributed to a +21% sales lift for SunGold Kiwifruit. Coupled with positive NewZealand growing conditions and consistent product quality, these efforts strengthened shopper demand and repeat purchases. Carrying this enthusiasm forward, Zespri is poised to bring even greater energy and growth to the 2026 season.

Zespri invites all attendees and industry friends to connect at SEPC at booth #825 to preview the new campaign and learn more about the merchandising shippers and bulk bins. Enhanced point-of-sale material, including headers, wobblers, pole toppers, and cutouts, will be rolled out in the new season. Retailers can meet with Zespri representatives at the booth for detailed information. “We are excited to meet with retail partners to plan for the upcoming season and build on our continued momentum,” states LaMothe.

Zespri is planning another exciting season, including a new consumer campaign, marketing programs, and merchandising shippers. Retailers can learn more by stopping by Zespri’s booth #825 during the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure (SEPC) trade show in Orlando, Florida, February 26 – March 1, 2026.