New Zealand’s Zespri appoints Lisa Carrington as brand ambassador

Zespri, the New Zealand-based kiwifruit marketer, has announced a four-year global partnership with Dame Lisa Carrington, making the decorated canoe sprint athlete its first global brand ambassador.

Carrington, a nine-time Olympic medallist and New Zealand’s most successful Olympian, will represent Zespri in its international marketing and wellness outreach initiatives. The collaboration was formally introduced with the launch of a 90-second cinematic short film exploring the concept of “Flow,” intended to highlight the connection between purpose, discipline, and nature. The film presents Carrington’s personal routine and outlook, aligned with the brand’s production philosophy.

The partnership focuses on a shared emphasis on health, quality, and performance. Both Carrington and Zespri trace their roots to New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, home to roughly 80% of the country's kiwifruit production. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Dame Lisa Carrington,” said Jiunn Shih, Chief Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability Officer at Zespri. “Her discipline, consistency, and drive for progress perfectly mirror our approach to growing and marketing great-tasting, high-quality Zespri Kiwifruit. Together, we look forward to connecting with a broader audience of sports and wellness enthusiasts, as well as inspiring people everywhere to prioritise good health and nutrition as they find their own flow.”

Carrington said of the appointment, “I’m incredibly proud to partner with Zespri. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to champion New Zealand kiwifruit on a global stage. Good nutrition is a key part of my performance, just as it’s central to Zespri’s mission. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

As part of the launch, Zespri will host a dedicated microsite offering further content including the full-length short film, episodic videos, and blog articles focused on Carrington’s approach to nutrition and lifestyle. The partnership also comes as Zespri expands its international reach, now supplying kiwifruit to more than 100 million households globally.