Bright Bounty Announces 2026 Kiwi Berry Program

CHELSEA, MA – Bright Bounty is preparing for a strong 2026 kiwi berry season, with harvest beginning in late August and shipments commencing in early September. The Oregon-grown program is projected to run eight to ten weeks, providing retailers with a differentiated specialty fruit offering throughout the fall.

The program features two premium varieties: Ananasnaya (Anna), known for its sweet flavor and distinctive red blush, and Tahi, a new variety recognized for its smooth edible skin, grape-like shape, and exceptional eating quality. Growers are reporting larger-than-normal Tahi fruit this season, creating additional consumer appeal at retail.

“Kiwi berries continue to resonate with consumers looking for convenient, nutritious snacking options and opportunities to discover something new in the produce department,” said Nelly Czajkowski of Bright Bounty. “This year’s crop is delivering outstanding quality, excellent flavor, and larger fruit size that will help retailers create excitement around the category. Combined with Bright Bounty’s customer-focused supply chain approach, retailers can benefit from responsive fulfillment and just-in-time inventory management that helps maintain freshness while reducing shrink and inventory risk.”

Unlike traditional kiwifruit, kiwi berries are eaten whole, making them a natural fit for on-the-go snacking, lunchboxes, and fresh culinary applications. Their unique appearance and bite-sized format align with consumer interest in discovering novel produce items that combine convenience, nutrition, and visual appeal.

In addition to their distinctive eating experience, kiwi berries offer a strong nutritional profile, providing vitamin C, fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, and antioxidants. As shoppers continue to prioritize nutrient-dense foods and healthy snack options, kiwi berries offer retailers a premium specialty item that supports wellness-focused merchandising efforts and incremental produce sales.

The 2026 crop will be packed in 6-ounce top-seal containers and shipped from Oregon. Through its network of growers, distribution partners and retail relationships, Bright Bounty helps customers manage inventory throughout the season with timely replenishment and reliable supply, ensuring product is available when needed without excessive inventory carrying costs.

Availability is expected from early September through November. Looking ahead, the company anticipates continued expansion of the kiwi berry program as additional acreage reaches commercial production. This planned growth is expected to increase future availability while maintaining the quality standards and supply consistency retailers need to build consumer awareness and drive category growth over the long term.

About Bright Bounty

Bright Bounty connects retailers with premium produce programs through strategic grower partnerships, category expertise and efficient supply chain execution. The company specializes in bringing distinctive, high-quality fruit offerings to market while helping customers optimize freshness, reduce shrink and improve inventory management. Through coordinated sourcing, logistics and just-in-time replenishment strategies, Bright Bounty delivers value across the supply chain while helping retail partners capitalize on emerging consumer trends and specialty produce opportunities.