In response to the proliferation of counterfeit packaging and unauthorized cultivation of its SunGold kiwifruit variety in China, Zespri has intensified its legal and investigative efforts. The New Zealand-based company discovered that Chinese growers have been unlawfully growing the patented SunGold (G3) variety, a situation that traces back to 2016 when clippings were illicitly transported to China. Subsequently, Zespri identified counterfeit packaging being utilized by several entities to market kiwifruit.
Collaborating with the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Zespri initiated enforcement actions against individuals engaged in these counterfeit operations. "Information gathered through Zespri's investigations allowed local police to successfully conduct a number of raids against those sellers," stated a Zespri spokesperson. These operations also uncovered counterfeit activities impacting other fruit marketers, including Dole and Zespri customer GoodFarmer, prompting their involvement in the enforcement actions. The Public Prosecutor's Office in China has committed to prosecuting the involved crimes, a move Zespri welcomes as it seeks to safeguard the interests of its New Zealand growers and global customers.
Moreover, Zespri has pursued additional legal measures against Smiling Face Limited, along with its director Haoyu Gao and Xia Xue, for their role in the unauthorized propagation of SunGold kiwifruit in China. This legal action underscores Zespri's determination to address the increasing unauthorized cultivation of its patented kiwifruit variety.
Source: nzherald.co.nz