Kiwi

Kiwi, often referred to as the kiwifruit or simply Chinese gooseberry, is a small, oval-shaped fruit that is easily recognized by its fuzzy brown skin and vibrant green flesh dotted with tiny black seeds. Known for its sweet-tart flavor, kiwi has become a popular fruit worldwide, consumed fresh in fruit salads, smoothies, or as a topping for desserts. Its unique taste and rich nutrient profile have helped boost its global appeal.

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Harvest Season of Kiwi

The harvest season for kiwi varies depending on the growing region, but it is typically harvested during the fall to early winter months:

• Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina): Kiwi is harvested from March to May, making these countries key suppliers for the off-season in Northern Hemisphere markets.
• Northern Hemisphere (Italy, Greece, and the United States): In regions such as California, Italy, and Greece, the harvest season typically spans from October to December.

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Producing Countries

Global Production: China is the largest producer of kiwi, accounting for over 50% of global production. Other significant producers include Italy, New Zealand, and Iran. In 2020, the global production of kiwi was approximately 4.5 million metric tons. Kiwi is grown in several countries, but the leading producers include:

• New Zealand: Known as the birthplace of commercial kiwi farming, New Zealand continues to be one of the largest exporters of the fruit worldwide, particularly to markets in North America and Asia.
• Italy: Italy is another major producer of kiwi, with the majority of production taking place in the regions of Lazio and Emilia-Romagna.
• China: As the original home of the kiwi, China remains the world’s largest producer, though much of its production is for domestic consumption.
• Chile: Chile has emerged as a key player in the kiwi market, particularly for exports during the off-season in the Northern Hemisphere.
• United States: California is the main region for kiwi production in the U.S., though its production levels are much smaller compared to New Zealand or Italy.

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Trends & History

Kiwi’s popularity has grown significantly over the past few decades. Once considered an exotic fruit, kiwi has found a place in mainstream markets around the world, with increasing consumption driven by health-conscious consumers seeking fruits rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Kiwi is now commonly found in grocery stores year-round, thanks to global trade, which allows for a continuous supply from different hemispheres. In recent years, there has also been a push toward organic kiwi farming, catering to the growing demand for organic produce. Additionally, the fruit's ability to be processed into puree, juice, and dried products has made it a key ingredient in the snack and beverage industries.

With an expanding global demand for fresh produce and healthy food options, kiwi continues to see growth in wholesale markets, particularly in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. As more countries develop the capability to cultivate kiwi, the fruit is expected to be even more readily available.

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Kiwi Wholesale

If you're looking to source high-quality kiwi for your business, Nutrada offers an efficient way to connect with reputable kiwi suppliers from key producing countries like New Zealand, Italy, and Chile. Whether you’re sourcing fresh kiwi for retail, frozen kiwi for smoothies, or dried kiwi for snacks, Nutrada provides access to a global network of trusted wholesalers. Create an account today to simplify your sourcing process and find competitive prices for kiwi and other fruits.

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