Jingold has started its 2026/27 Northern Hemisphere marketing season with expectations of further volume growth, driven by yellow kiwifruit and the continued expansion of its Exotic Red range. The Italian company reports encouraging early sales, strong fruit quality and increasing opportunities across European and overseas markets.
The season began in mid-October with red kiwifruit, followed by yellow varieties towards the end of the month. Green kiwifruit shipments initially targeted overseas destinations, with European sales now getting underway.
According to Moreno Armuzzi, sales manager at Jingold, the first weeks of the campaign have confirmed positive expectations for both production and commercial performance.
“Fruit quality is high, with good eating characteristics and a size distribution that reflects the typical features of our varieties,” he explains.
Although the expected increase in volumes has been revised slightly downwards from initial forecasts, the company remains optimistic, particularly following the strong early response to red kiwifruit.
Yellow kiwifruit set to reach 30,000 tonnes
Yellow kiwifruit remains Jingold’s largest business segment and its main growth driver. The company expects to market approximately 30,000 tonnes during the 2026/27 season, up 10% year on year.
This growth is supported by the continued development of its premium Jintao and Jinyan varieties, for which Jingold holds exclusive worldwide licensing rights. Northern Hemisphere production is concentrated in Italy, Portugal and Greece.
The increase in available volumes will allow Jingold to strengthen its position in established markets while accelerating its expansion into new destinations.
“Yellow kiwifruit continues to show good growth potential, even in mature markets. At the same time, greater product availability enables us to expand our presence in regions offering further opportunities, such as North and South America and Southeast Asia,” says Armuzzi.
One of the most significant developments this season is the opening of Vietnam to Italian kiwifruit imports, following the signing of a new trade protocol. Jingold plans to establish dedicated commercial programmes in the country, further expanding its international distribution network.
Exotic Red volumes to increase by 30%
The company’s red-fleshed kiwifruit range is also gaining momentum. Exotic Red production is expected to reach approximately 2,500 tonnes, representing a 30% increase compared with the previous season.
The range is based on the Oriental Red variety, marketed exclusively under the Jingold brand, with Northern Hemisphere production concentrated in Italy.
According to the company, demand has been particularly strong in the opening weeks of the campaign, reflecting growing interest in premium red-fleshed kiwifruit across Europe.
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“Market response has been very positive. Established customers have started the season purchasing higher volumes than last year, and we are also attracting several new customers,” Armuzzi explains.
The strongest opportunities are emerging in Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, where Exotic Red is continuing to consolidate its position.
Jingold believes this performance demonstrates the increasing commercial potential of red kiwifruit, both within existing distribution channels and among new consumer groups.
Green kiwifruit strengthens the product range
The outlook for green kiwifruit is also positive, with Hayward and Jingold Bliss (Boerica) completing the company’s portfolio.
Italian production volumes are expected to remain broadly stable compared with the previous season, while Greek production is forecast to increase by 20%.
Jingold expects further growth in marketed volumes within this segment, which plays an important role in its strategy of offering customers a comprehensive kiwifruit range.
“Green kiwifruit is a strategic part of our commercial offering. It allows us to provide established customers with a complete portfolio while expanding the distribution of the Jingold brand across different markets,” says Armuzzi.
Meanwhile, Jingold Organic, which includes organically grown yellow and green kiwifruit, is expected to remain stable.
Although demand for organic products continues to increase in certain markets and consumer segments, the development of organic production is progressing considerably more slowly than that of conventional kiwifruit.
Varietal innovation must deliver real consumer value
Beyond the immediate outlook for the new season, Jingold highlights the importance of varietal innovation and long-term market development.
After 25 years in the kiwifruit business, the company believes successful varietal projects require more than introducing new cultivars. Consistent quality, reliable availability and a strong commercial structure are equally important.
Alessandro Fornari, CEO and general manager of Jingold, argues that innovation should deliver genuine improvements for consumers rather than simply expanding the number of varieties available.
“Varietal innovation is positive because it helps develop the category, provided it offers a real improvement over existing products,” he explains.
Fornari also stresses the importance of effective market segmentation, offering consumers consistently high-quality products that are available throughout the season.
“The key to success lies not only in varietal research, but also in the ability to develop an integrated system combining varieties, know-how and commercial organisation. This must work for growers while building customer loyalty through a strong brand.”
With growing production, an expanding international customer base and increasing demand for premium yellow and red varieties, Jingold enters the 2026/27 campaign focused on consolidating its position in the global kiwifruit market.
