The kiwifruit industry is sending trial consignments of bulk-unpacked fruit to China to cut costs.
Seeka and Zespri have sent 220,000 trays of New Zealand-grown kiwifruit this season to Shanghai to be packed.
Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says they expect to be able to save money in labour, shipping and coolstore costs as well as by having the fruit handled only once before sale.
Mr Franks says the trial has been successful, with low fruit loss and acceptance from consumers in the marketplace.
Zespri say they will review the trial later this year to see how it can be expanded.
Chief executive Lain Jager says: "Shanghai works because of the cost structures in China." Limited shipments will be made to Europe, he says, but "the focus is on China".
