Haegeum gold kiwifruit commercialization

New Zealand grower John Bostock has secured exclusive southern hemisphere rights to market the Haegeum gold kiwifruit, a Korean variety. Bostock claims the variety is superior in taste, color, and disease tolerance compared to existing options. The initiative serves as a challenge to New Zealand’s current export regulations, which Bostock described as “archaic” and “monopolistic” due to Zespri’s status as the sole exporter.

Following the initial announcement, the Jeonnam Gwangju Agricultural Research and Extension Services formalized an exclusive overseas licensing agreement with Bostock NZ. This contract, which may last up to 35 years, authorizes the production, sale, and commercial cultivation of Haegum seedlings in New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa.

By utilizing the opposite growing seasons of the Southern Hemisphere, the parties aim to provide a year-round supply to the Korean market. The strategic plan includes expanding cultivation to over 100 hectares in Chile and South Africa by 2038, with expectations of generating approximately 200 million KRW in annual royalty income once stable commercial production is achieved.