New Zealand-based Zespri, a marketer of kiwifruit with over $2.5B in revenue and one-third of the industry’s global volume, has introduced a new initiative called ZAG.
This innovation funding programme, driven by Zespri’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of people, communities, and the environment through kiwifruit, aims to support innovative projects and global partnerships.
What does ZAG offer?
With an annual fund of $2M (approximately €1.82M), ZAG will contribute to advancing Zespri’s mission and reinforcing its capacity to fulfill its purpose.
ZAG invites global innovators to tackle key challenges in the kiwifruit industry’s growth. Zespri is looking for forward-thinking individuals to drive innovation in sustainable agriculture, technology, automation, packaging, supply chain, logistics, and industry education.
Jiunn Shih, Chief Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability Officer at Zespri says, “We have a very clear focus on creating sustainable long-term value for our growers and ZAG will enable us to partner with other innovators to explore ways to do this, whilst also helping restore nature and moving us to a place where healthy eating is a well-established habit.”
“We want to be the ZAG the food system needs. Our ambitions are greater than our capabilities, and with this in mind, we are inviting others to partner with us to help solve challenges that impact our fruit and the well-being of people, communities and the environment,” adds Shih.
ZAG will back projects aligned with four main priorities for Zespri: (1) Enhancing kiwifruit quality and orchard productivity; (2) Promoting well-being through kiwifruit consumption; (3) Protecting and enhancing the environment; (4) Supporting a thriving kiwifruit industry, benefiting both growers and local communities.
Shih says ZAG will be aligned with Zespri’s sustainability programme.
He further adds, “While we’re making steady progress, such as a five per cent reduction in our shipping emissions through improved charter vessel utilisation, we know it’s new partners and solutions that will really unlock change.”
“We’re inspired by our growers and supply chain partners who are prototyping actions as part of our carbon-neutral trial. And we’re pushing forward a partnership approach on shipping by asking other businesses and governments to come with us, so we can stimulate the demand that’s needed to accelerate the deployment of greener solutions.”
Zespri collaborates with approximately 4,000 growers across the globe. Their mission is to provide healthy and delicious fruit to over 50 countries.
Net-zero roadmap to 2050
Zespri is developing a net-zero roadmap to 2050, with 88 per cent of its packaging now recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
The company’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan – Adapting to Thrive, addresses climate impacts for growers.
Zespri is actively promoting global nutrition programmes to boost fresh kiwifruit consumption, creating 5 billion healthy eating occasions in the 2022/23 season. With a goal to reach 6 billion by 2025, the company has also supported 35 healthy lifestyle programmes in over 12 countries since 2020.
Shih says, “We’re really excited about the potential ZAG has to increase our efforts in this space. We look forward to working with agri- and food-tech innovators as well as other solution providers, to help Zespri and the kiwifruit industry achieve an even brighter future.”
To apply to the fund, click here.