Leo Lai currently serves as the New Cultivars Fruit Performance Lead and Technical Implementation Specialist at Zespri International, focusing on enhancing kiwifruit supply chain efficiency and fruit quality. With extensive horticultural experience in tomato cultivation at a family business, Leo has also contributed to research as a PhD candidate at Massey University, developing a non-destructive technique for kiwifruit quality assessment. Previous roles include Research Technologist at PB Diagnostics Ltd, Process Development Technician at PolyBatics Ltd, and Research Assistant at Massey University. Leo holds a PhD in Food Technology and Processing, a Master of Engineering in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, and a degree in Chemical and Nanotechnology Engineering, all from Massey University, along with a prior education at Auckland Grammar School.
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Zespri International
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Welcome to Zespri, one of the world’s most successful horticultural marketing companies and NZ’s largest horticultural exporter, exporting more than 167 million trays of kiwifruit to more than 50 countries around the world, managing 30 percent of the global volume. We’re part of a global team of growers, post-harvest suppliers, employees, distributors and retailers dedicated to consistently providing quality, fresh kiwifruit. With sales revenues of $3.1 billion, the Zespri™ Brand is recognised as the world leader in premium-quality kiwifruit. Based in New Zealand, we are 100 percent owned by current or past kiwifruit growers, and employ approximately 550 people globally. On behalf of our 3,200 growers in New Zealand and 1,200 growers based elsewhere, we manage kiwifruit innovation, supply and distribution management and marketing of Zespri™ Green, Zespri™ Organic Green, Zespri™ Sweet Green, Zespri™ SunGold, Zespri™ Organic SunGold, Zespri™ Gold Kiwifruit and Zespri™ Red. Zespri invests heavily in the future of New Zealand kiwifruit. Our plant breeding programme is the world’s largest and most advanced, with 75,000 potential new varieties. We are also at the cutting edge of research on kiwifruit health and nutrition, on-orchard productivity and sustainability, to name a few. This passion, innovation and investment ensures Zespri’s position as the world’s premier kiwifruit brand.
