H14 (KZ16) is a gold varietal with a large soft stylar protrusion. Initial trial in South Africa, produced fruit in 2021 which achieved excellent customer feedback. An early fruit with high brix and dry matter. Its had been described by our most experienced Grower as ".....better than Hort16A..."

PBR approved in RSA June 2021 and in the USA in October 2022.

Climate Adaptation

Low Chill Requirements. H14 requires only 350-400 chill hours (below 7°C), approximately half the requirement of standard kiwifruit varieties. This significantly reduced chill dependency makes H14 suitable for warmer climates and regions experiencing reduced winter chilling due to climate change.

Temperature Resilience. The variety has been successfully commercialized and proven to thrive in areas with around 400 hours below 7°C, opening cultivation opportunities in subtropical and Mediterranean regions previously unsuitable for kiwifruit production.

Fruit Characteristics

Size and Weight

• Large fruit averaging 150 grams
• Significantly exceeds the size of many commercial varieties
• Large fruit size serves as a positive consumer talking point
• Some fruit exhibits a distinctive "beak" feature, though this has not generated significant consumer complaints

Skin Properties

• Remarkably tough and durable skin
• Natural insect resistance
• Provides excellent protection against beak damage during harvesting and post-harvest handling
• Contributes to extended storage capabilities

Storage Performance

• Excellent storage characteristics
• Maintains quality throughout extended cold storage periods
• Enables flexible marketing strategies and extended market windows

Production Performance

Yield Metrics

• Proven yield of 36 tonnes per hectare in year 3 since grafting
• Early productivity: 8 tonnes achieved just 18 months after grafting
• High yield potential when properly managed

Harvest Timing

• Early-season variety
• Provides first-to-market advantages
• Ideal for regions seeking early market positioning

Environmental Sustainability

Chemical Independence

• Crops well and uniformly without Hydrogen Cyanamide (Dormex)
• Application of Hydrogen Cyanamide to H14 is not recommended as it can lead to high percentage of fruit deformities
• Provides alternative to toxic substance used by 90%+ of New Zealand's Zespri growers
• Aligns with EU regulations (where Hydrogen Cyanamide is banned)

Health and Environmental Benefits

• Eliminates exposure to toxic chemical compound with potential health and environmental risks
• Supports sustainable farming practices
• Ideal solution for growers interested in improving economic sustainability

Quality Management Considerations

Overcropping Risks

• H14 is susceptible to overcropping, which can significantly compromise fruit quality
• Overcropping leads to low dry matter (DM) content
• Low DM fruit exhibits grainy, unpalatable texture
• Quality issues are particularly noticeable in younger orchards
• Recent taste profile tests confirmed impact of overcropping on consumer experience

Proper Management Results

• When managed properly, H14 produces fruit with excellent flavor
• Well-managed fruit exhibits smooth texture reminiscent of Hort16A variety
• Proper crop load management is essential for maintaining premium quality

Market Positioning

Consumer Appeal

• Large fruit size creates positive consumer impression
• Premium weight category commands higher market prices
• Early-season timing provides competitive market advantages
• Chemical-free production appeals to environmentally conscious consumers

Commercial Advantages

• Reduced production costs through elimination of Hydrogen Cyanamide
• Lower chemical input requirements
• Extended storage enables strategic market timing
• Climate resilience provides production security

Learn more about H14 here.

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Important notes

Types

The two most popular varieties of kiwifruit are Actinidia Deliciosa ( green-fleshed kiwifruit ) and Actinidia Chinensis ( gold-fleshed kiwifruit ). Aside from the flesh color, golden kiwi are softer, sweeter, less hairy, and are known to fetch better prices than their green counterparts, such as the popular Hayward variety.

Genders

Females are the fruiting plants.

Males are non-fruiting but needed for pollination because Varieties flower at different times and require a compatible Male.

Ripening season

We offer kiwifruit with different ripening seasons to leverage your marketability. For example, our South African partners favor two varieties with early ripening season, which allows them to be sold in the European market before Zespri's fruit arrive.

Dry Matter (DM) %

The percentage of dry matter in the fruit.

The ripe fruit is sliced, weighed and put in a dryer for 24 hours to remove moisture. The DM is compared with earlier weight and expressed as a percentage.

Crop

Production per canopy hectare  (tonnes).

PVRs Protected In

Describes what Plant Variety Rights (PVRs) the varietal already has protected, and in which territories.

PVRs Available In

Indicates where Plant Variety Rights (PVRs) are available for protection.