Zespri, Mr. Apple, T&G, Bostock, Freshmax and Rockit were some of the brands that were presented during the event.

New Zealand focuses its promotional campaign on the quality of its soil, climate and that the country has implemented one of the world's most stringent bio-safety regulations. The country was one of the first to sign a free trade agreement with China and is currently exporting considerable amounts of apples, kiwiruit and cherries. 

In 2015, China imported a total of 90,000 tons of fruit from New Zealand, with an estimated market value of 1.8 billion Yuan, 120% more than a year earlier.

It has been announced that in 2016, kiwifruit will be exempt of import duties when exporting to China. The head of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s operations in China announced, "Facing an increase in demand from China, more New Zealand fruit exporters have invested to set up offices in China or have expanded their local teams in the hope to build better relations with local Chinese business partners. We hope we can support the industry in sales development, promotion, consumer education and brand building."

One of the larger channel partners for New Zealand fruit exporters, Fruitday, a renowned e-commerce platform for fresh produce in China, also attended the event. It announced that it will organise a number of events, together with New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, throughout May. Zhao Guozhang, the founder of Fruitday, says, "We always adhere to sourcing and procurement criteria of the country of origin. We have now visited over a hundred countries to source the best products. New Zealand fruit brands and fruit producer have become indispensable trading partners for us."

Fruitday has organised tastings of New Zealand fruit varieties and brands in the past. One of the events it staged was 'High Tea Meeting', during which consumers could enjoy an afternoon tea with diplomats from New Zealand and try different fruit varieties. In addition, the company says it is helping New Zealand fruit brands to enter the Chinese market. For example, the company has introduced the apple brand Envy with a Chinese name. The adopted Chinese name 'Aifei' is phonetically similar and refers to the English saying, 'you are the apple of my eye'. 

Between 18-25 May, Fruitday and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise will organise an online fruit event called ‘Tasting New Zealand’. During this event, New Zealand fruit brands including the Zespri, Envy, Queen and Diva will be promoted.

Rockit apples will be exclusively available in China through Fruitday. 

For more information, visit: www.fruitday.com