Tart, sweet and packed with nutrients, kiwifruit is an official superfood and has become a favourite among health-conscious consumers and producers alike, with production increasing by 50% over the past decade.
At Reid Produce Co., we collaborate with local Bay of Plenty growers to process green, gold and red kiwifruit into premium frozen purees and whole-fruit individually quick-frozen products, peeled or top-and-tailed for export markets. We also supply fresh whole fruit for local markets. Available in a variety of pack formats, our kiwifruit meet the needs of food manufacturers and hospitality businesses seeking nutrient-rich, versatile ingredients.
Why kiwifruit is a nutritional powerhouse
Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and natural enzymes, kiwifruit offer unique health benefits:
- High vitamin C content: Just one kiwifruit exceeds your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is essential for supporting the immune system and combatting infections. A randomised controlled trial found that consuming gold kiwifruit daily improved immune function and reduced the severity and duration of cold symptoms in older adults.
- Natural digestive aid: Rich in fibre and actinidin, a natural enzyme that breaks down proteins, kiwifruit supports healthy digestion. Research shows that eating two green kiwifruit daily alleviates constipation and improves abdominal comfort.
- Antioxidant rich: Research shows that kiwifruit contain vitamin E and polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress, protect cells from damage, potentially benefit skin health and prevent ageing and chronic disease.
- Sleep support: Kiwifruit is a natural source of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating sleep. A clinical study demonstrated that eating two kiwifruit 1 hour before bedtime helped participants fall asleep faster and improved sleep quality.
Green, gold or red: what’s the difference?
Each kiwifruit variety has its own flavour profile, nutritional highlights and ideal uses:
- Green: The classic, tangy kiwifruit with slightly fuzzy skin. It’s especially high in fibre and actinidin, making it perfect for digestion. Its firm texture suits fruit salads, smoothies or eating fresh.
- Gold: Featuring smooth skin and sweeter, tropical flesh, gold kiwifruit tends to have higher vitamin C levels. Its vibrant colour and mild sweetness makes it popular for juices, desserts and snacks for children.
- Red: The rarest variety, with a striking red centre and berry-like sweetness. Lower in acidity, it’s prized in premium products such as gourmet desserts and visually appealing smoothie bowls.
Regardless of colour, all varieties contribute flavour, function and visual appeal to a wide range of food products.
Why demand is growing
Modern consumers seek foods that support gut health, boost immunity, and offer nutritional benefits, all qualities that kiwifruit deliver. Its versatility has led to widespread use in breakfast bowls, wellness drinks, snack bars and café menus, driving innovation and growing demand. Whether blended into smoothies, tossed into salads, baked into muffins and slices or incorporated in salsas, marinades or chutneys, the versatility of kiwifruit remains unmatched.
Get in touch
At Reid Produce Co., we’re proud to help bring the benefits of kiwifruit to more consumers through our bespoke processing capabilities. Whether you’re creating retail products or foodservice items, our premium kiwifruit ingredients deliver on taste, nutrition and performance.
Looking for a kiwifruit processor as dependable as a fellow Kiwi? Contact us today.
