Key Takeaways
- Zespri launches three innovative pilots from its new ZAG fund.
- Pilots focus on improving RubyRed kiwifruit color, tracking kiwifruit bins, and using biochar in orchards.
- The ZAG fund, worth US$2 million annually, supports projects benefiting kiwifruit, people, the environment, and industry sustainability.
- The pilots will address specific industry challenges and promote the growth and quality of kiwifruit.
- Prospective innovators can learn more or apply at the ZAG fund website.
Zespri Launches A USD 2M Annual ZAG Fund To Address Challenges Within The Kiwifruit Industry
Zespri, a leading global kiwifruit marketer, has announced the launch of its first three pilot projects under the newly established ZAG innovation fund. These pilots will focus on enhancing the color consistency of RubyRed kiwifruit, tracking the movement of kiwifruit bins, and exploring the use of biochar in kiwifruit orchards.
The ZAG Innovation Fund
Launched late last year, the US$2 million annual ZAG fund aims to attract innovative problem solvers to address key challenges within the kiwifruit industry. The fund’s primary goals include supporting initiatives beneficial to kiwifruit, people, the environment, and the overall thriving of the kiwifruit industry. The Innovation Steering Committee, chaired by Zespri’s Chief Marketing, Innovation, and Sustainability Officer Jiunn Shih, has meticulously evaluated submissions from various solution providers.
Pilot One: RubyRed Kiwifruit Color Consistency
The first pilot focuses on the color consistency of Zespri’s RubyRed kiwifruit, which is in its third year of commercial production. The objective is to address consumer feedback regarding the fruit’s red coloring inconsistency. According to Mr. Shih, “There’s strong demand for Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit, which is popular amongst consumers who love the distinctive taste, color, and health benefits – although they’ve told us that the red coloring of the fruit can sometimes be inconsistent.”
This six-month pilot will be conducted on one RubyRed orchard to explore methods to achieve better visual consistency by enhancing the natural production of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for red.
Pilot Two: Kiwifruit Bin Tracking
The second pilot aims to improve the traceability of kiwifruit harvest bins using GPS technology. Each bin will have a unique location identifier, and tracking information will be collected and displayed on a software platform. This 12-month pilot addresses the challenge of efficiently managing bins within the supply chain. Mr. Shih noted the importance of this initiative, especially in a biosecurity incident such as a fruit fly incursion.
Pilot Three: Biochar in Kiwifruit Orchards
The third pilot involves a 12-month field trial of biochar on kiwifruit orchards. Biochar is a carbon-rich material known for improving soil nutrient availability, sequestering carbon, and enhancing soil drainage and aeration. While biochar has been successfully used with other crops, this pilot will assess its impact on kiwifruit orchards, focusing on soil improvement and potentially increasing vine productivity and fruit quality.
Looking Ahead
Zespri’s ZAG fund is designed to accelerate kiwifruit innovation by collaborating with global innovators. Mr. Shih expressed enthusiasm for the variety of ideas submitted worldwide. He highlighted the potential of the selected pilots to address industry-specific challenges, benefiting the kiwifruit industry, communities, and the environment.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the results of our pilots as we work to find solutions to help shape a thriving world through the goodness of kiwifruit,” said Mr. Shih.
Discover more here.
Photo by Utsman Media on Unsplash
