Variation in Kiwifruit Quality

As consumers become more discerning and the international fruit trade becomes ever more competitive, suppliers are increasingly gaining competitive advantage through differentiated fruit quality. Supplying markets with consistently superior fruit has the potential to stimulate consumer demand while maintaining the premium pricing traditionally enjoyed by the New Zealand kiwifruit industry in the international market place. Conversely, provision of consumers with fruit of inconsistent quality that does not satisfy expectations has negative market implications. The purpose of this book is therefore, to quantify the magnitude, sources and distribution of variation in fruit quality traits within Hayward kiwifruit populations and identify opportunities for the management of this variation. This book will be of interest to primary industry professionals in providing an understanding of, and management options for, the naturally occurring variation in biological products.