25 Jun 2014 Zespri launches premium SunGold kiwifruit in SA

Global kiwifruit exporter, Zespri International, has launched Zespri SunGold, a golden variety kiwifruit, in major South African supermarkets just in time to boost consumers’ immunity during the cold winter months. It is larger, sweeter and smoother-textured than its well-known green cousin.

Research has found that regularly eating Zespri SunGold kiwifruit may help reduce the symptoms of cold and flu – good news for South Africans in the winter season.

The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2012, found that Zespri SunGold kiwifruit is particularly beneficial at reducing the duration of a sore throat and the severity of head congestion. This is timely given the rise in cold and flu cases during winter.

Zespri Green and SunGold kiwifruit are some of the most nutrient dense fruit available, providing more nutrients per serving than 20 common fruit such as blueberries, oranges and bananas.

Both have more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals, in particular exceptionally high levels of the antioxidants vitamin C (three times more than oranges, bite for bite) and vitamin E (seven times more than apples and oranges) in a fruit.

According to Ben Hughes, Zespri International Regional Manager, “With May, June and July being the typical peak flu season in South Africa, daily consumption of Zespri kiwifruit will boost the immune system. Consumed daily as part of a balanced diet, the Zespri Green and SunGold kiwifruits can help South Africans to stay healthy and protect themselves against infection,” said Hughes.

In addition to the benefits for cold and flu, regularly eating Zespri kiwifruit can also help with digestion, skin care, heart health, weight loss and boost the immune system.

Zespri Green and SunGold kiwifruit are now available at all major retailers, such as PnP, Food Lover’s Market, Checkers and SPAR in South Africa.