Well known in Reunion, Zespri is the largest kiwifruit trader in the world with a turnover of over 2,5 billion US dollars, managing around a third of the global volume of the kiwifruit industry. Committed to long-term sustainability goals, the brand announces the creation of ZAG, a special fund for innovation in the kiwi agri-food chain.
Zespri aims to help people around the world, as well as their communities and environments, to thrive thanks to the benefits of kiwi. For this purpose, ZAG intends to play a driving role in accelerating ecological awareness in agriculture based on issues related to kiwifruit.. This two-million-dollar annual fund will support innovation initiatives and strategic partnerships that advance the ecological cause. Designed to attract innovative specialists from around the world, problem-solving experts, the project will help encourage these professionals to tackle some of the key challenges facing the industry, while it must meet the growing demand for kiwis. Zespri is looking for avant-garde personalities, whether they are visionaries, of disruptors, dreamers or daring profiles, to help it better innovate in sustainable agriculture, technologies, automation, the packaging, the supply chain, logistics and training in industry.
Four fundamental priorities
“We are very clearly focused on creating long-term sustainable value for our producers. ZAG will allow us to partner with other innovators to explore ways to achieve this, while helping to restore nature”, explique Jiunn Shih, marketing director, head of innovation and sustainable development at Zespri. “Our ambitions exceed our capabilities and, in this perspective, we invite others to partner with us to help address challenges that impact our fruits and people's well-being, communities and the environment. » The ZAG initiative will support projects focused on four core priorities, specifies Jiunn Shih : “Initiatives that are good for kiwis by improving the quality and productivity of orchards. Initiatives that are good for people by promoting well-being through the consumption of kiwis. Initiatives that are good for the environment by protecting and improving nature. Finally, initiatives that promote a thriving kiwi industry, for the benefit of producers and the local communities of which they are part. »
One of the world's leading fruit brands
Mind, which works with around 4,000 producers to offer fruit to more than 50 countries, has defined long-term sustainability goals. The brand is notably developing a carbon neutrality roadmap by 2050.. It has already reduced the environmental impact of its packaging : 88% of its packaging is now recyclable, reusable or compostable. Zespri also rolls out global nutrition programs, designed to increase fresh kiwi consumption worldwide.
