With people around the world having a greater interest in where products come from and the impact of their purchases on the planet, climate change and carbon footprints are becoming increasingly important factors for consumer industries to consider. ZESPRI has today advised the absolute figure for the carbon footprint of ZESPRI® Kiwifruit exported to Europe.

• Orchard operations make up 17% of total emissions for EU exports;

• Packhouse and Coolstore processes account for 11% of total emissions;

• Shipping accounts for 41% of total emissions;

• Repacking and Retailer emissions amount to 9% of total emissions;

• Consumer consumption and disposal comprises 22% of total emissions.

ZESPRI is now working with the kiwifruit industry on a series of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, focused on Orchard, Packhouse & Coolstore and Transport.

(Even when not organic, kiwifruit is one of the twelve fruits that contain the least amount of pesticides, as determined by the Environmental Working Group.)

What is your favourite meal? Have you ever eaten Kiwis from New Zealand?