Golden kiwifruit, sweeter and more delicate than green kiwis, are almost twice as expensive and have caused smuggling incidents.
Copyrighted by Zespri, growing these kiwis requires licenses, leading to high prices and disputes.
Labor-intensive harvesting involves careful picking and handling to avoid damage, driving up costs.
Zespri's SunGold kiwi strain saved New Zealand's industry after disease wiped out most orchards, with 67% of kiwi export value.
Cultivation of golden kiwis involves complex training, pruning, and selection processes for premium quality and taste.
Long-distance shipping from New Zealand adds to the fruit's price due to limited ships and distance.
Illicit orchards in China challenge Zespri's control over SunGold strain, highlighting the complex global market.
New Zealand due to factors like copyright protection, labor-intensive harvesting, selective cultivation, and global shipping.
These unique fruits, developed by crossbreeding, are controlled by Zespri, a cooperative of growers, making them more valuable. Despite challenges, they've become a significant part of New Zealand's kiwi exports.