Zespri celebrates its 20^th birthday today with its Momentum conference at Mount Maunganui, attended by 500 delegates from New Zealand and around the world.

The launch of the Zespri kiwifruit brand in 1997 began a new era for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry, and the Momentum conference sets out to 'celebrate the passion, expertise and vision” behind the world-leading brand.

It's also a chance for those from all sectors of the industry hear global experts on trade, the economy and global agribusiness along with Zespri's own leaders, speaking about their visions for the brand into the future.

Key Zespri customers from around the world, including Japan, China, Europe, and the Middle Eastare also attending the conference which looks at what the future might hold and how Zespri Kiwifruit will keep evolving to stay relevant.

Among leading global experts on trade, economics, and agribusiness to address the conference are Michael Every Rabobank's head of financial markets for the Asia Pacific Region, Ian Proudfoot Global Head of Agribusiness for KPMG and Crawford Falconer Professor of International Trade at Lincoln University who will speak about the global risks and opportunities that impact the New Zealand kiwifruit industry's performance and strategy.

Members of Zespri's senior leadership team are also among the speakers. Chief executive Lain Jager will focus on the current and future outlook and Zespri president sales and marketing Dan Mathieson and general manager marketing Jiunn Shih will outline plans to support the industry's growth into the future.

General manager innovation Carol Ward will talk about driving innovation to keep the industry's competitive edge and chief operating officer Simon Limmer and general manager Zespri Global Supply Sheila McMann-Morrison will focus on strengthening the global supply chain system and growing a strong year-round supply base.

The conference is followed this evening by the industry gala dinner, a highlight of which will be the presentation of the Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal, set up by the kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council five years ago to recognise the industry's leaders.