JD Fresh, the fresh food division of JD.com, recently welcomed the season’s first sea shipment of Zespri kiwifruits from New Zealand to China, commencing JD’s kiwi promotional season on April 7. Through a direct procurement e-commerce model, JD Fresh has become Zespri’s largest online retailer in China. For the 2023 season, JD is aiming to sell over two million standard trays (3.3 kg/tray) of the succulent fruits exported to China.
The first charter vessel’s arrival in Shanghai from Port of Tauranga marks the start of JD Fresh’s highly anticipated kiwi sales season, and with more shipments to come, JD Fresh will bring an extensive selection of fresh and healthy produce options to Chinese consumers, including Zespri’s yellow, green, and red varieties.
JD.com’s sales of the newly arrived fruit since April 8 have increased by 55% compared to the same period last year. Quick customs clearance in China following the lifting of COVID restrictions has contributed to the strong start to this year’s fruit season.
“China’s fruit market is experiencing significant growth recovery this year, driven by increasing demand for high-end and imported fruits,” said Nuo Xiao, General Manager of JD Fresh’s procurement and sales department. “Our collaboration with Zespri underscores our commitment to providing Chinese consumers with the freshest, authentic and high quality produce from around the world.”
“We are delighted to partner with JD.com to bring Zespri kiwifruit to more Chinese consumers,” said Carol War, Chief Grower, Industry & Sustainability Officer. “JD.com is a leader in the e-commerce and supply chain industry in China, and we are confident that this partnership will help us to further expand our presence in the Chinese market.”
After China reopened its borders for international travel, New Zealand was the first destination for JD Fresh buyers to visit in early March. JD’s team visited Zespri’s headquarters in New Zealand, and had the opportunity to explore Zespri’s orchards, nursery, laboratory, and packaging plant to better understand the kiwi growing journey from its roots.
JD.com and Zespri forged a strategic partnership in 2016, and four years later, JD.com became Zespri’s first direct e-commerce retailer worldwide. In 2022, despite external headwinds, Zespri’s kiwifruit sales on JD.com reached an all-time high in China in 2022, a testament to JD.com’s effective distribution, marketing, omnichannel sales, and after-sale guarantee service.
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