(Impact of Features) Today’s consumers are looking for products that don’t just taste good; they need foods that pack nutrients into every bite. As conversations about nutrient-dense eating continue to grow, fresh fruit has become one of the easiest ways to add natural vitamins and minerals to your daily routine.
Kiwi is a prime example of this. According to the International Fresh Produce Association, kiwi has risen to become the 14th best-selling fresh fruit in the country, with household purchases increasing by 20%. In fact, it is now the fastest-growing fruit in the fruit bowl as more consumers discover its unique combination of exceptional nutritional value and naturally sweet flavor.
This success story has been over a century in the making.
From ancient origins to modern favorite
Although many people associate the kiwi with New Zealand, its history began in China’s Yangtze River Valley. In 1904, New Zealand educator Isabel Fraser returned home from China with green kiwi seeds, which she gave to gardener Alexander Ellison. Over the next decades, growers grew and refined the fruit, helping New Zealand become the world’s leading producer of kiwifruit.
By the 1990s, natural selection and cross-pollination led to the creation of the first commercially successful yellow-fleshed kiwifruit, offering consumers a sweeter flavor and bright, golden flesh. When a devastating grapevine disease threatened orchards around the world in 2010, continued innovation in breeding led to the creation of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit, a resilient variety with smooth skin, juicy golden flesh and a tropical-sweet flavor that helped revitalize the category.
Nutritious food
Today, kiwi is recognized as one of the most nutrient-rich fruits, making it an easy choice for people looking to get more nutritional value from the foods they eat. Each serving contains more than 10 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which promotes normal immune system function, folic acid, which supports healthy cell growth and development, and vitamin E, which helps protect cells from daily damage.
“When people think about eating healthier, they often assume it has to be difficult,” says registered dietitian Nisha Melwani. “I encourage people to start with simple, whole foods that naturally contain a variety of nutrients. Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit is an easy choice as it provides over 10 vitamins and minerals, including 100% of your daily vitamin C needs, in one delicious fruit that fits easily into breakfast, snacks or even dessert.”
From orchard to everyday favorite
As more consumers choose whole foods over complex nutritional trends, kiwis are finding their way into everyday life and pop culture. Creators including Emma Chamberlain and musician Josh Conway highlighted the fruit as part of their daily snacking routine, and Good Housekeeping included golden kiwi in its 2025 Best Snacks of the Year, highlighting its naturally sweet taste, juicy texture and broad appeal.
Kiwi can be eaten alone, added to smoothies, added to yogurt, or added to savory dishes. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy more nutrients throughout the day. An easy place to start is with this Peanut Butter Kiwi Toast, which combines healthy ingredients with the sweet, tropical flavor of Zespri SunGold Kiwi for a filling breakfast, snack or snack.
Find more fresh recipes, nutrition information and delicious ways to enjoy kiwi at Zespri.com and find out why one of the fastest-growing fruits has a permanent place in many fruit bowls today.
Nut butter and kiwi toast
Nut butter:
- 1 cup toasted nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, or pecans)
- sunflower oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon seeds (chia, sunflower or hemp)
- To make nut butter: Pulse nuts in a food processor on high speed until finely chopped. Clean the sides of the blender. Add a few drops of sunflower oil, salt and seeds; mix until creamy. Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Spread nut butter on toasted bread and top with kiwi slices.
