Zespri’s RubyRed kiwifruit exports to the US are projected to triple this year, with the fruit hitting store shelves by mid-April.
New Zealand’s kiwi powerhouse Zespri also is bringing its berry-flavored RubyRed variety to retailers in Australia, Vietnam, and Canada.
Zespri credits this expansion to a bumper crop, with production jumping from three million trays in 2025 to five million, or 18,000 tons. This season, thanks to increased volume and demand, RubyRed will reach shoppers in 16 markets.
Zespri notes that RubyRed Kiwifruit has quickly captured North American taste buds, especially the US, and now plays a key role in launching the company’s sales season.
The company reports consumers are loving its bright red colour and sweet, berry-like taste, and it’s also attracting new and younger consumers to the kiwifruit category, as well as the wider fruit category.