ABOUT
MiKiwi was formed in 2014 by two New Zealand growers Jan Benes and Craig Lemon (as part of the Jace Group of investments via shareholding in Hong Kong based entity Endeavour Fresh Japan Limited), and a Japanese investor to develop kiwifruit in accordance with best horticultural practices. The orchards are based in the Miyazaki prefecture in Western Japan. The kiwifruit development has taken many years and is now successfully growing, harvesting and processing Gold kiwifruit under the G3 variety licence by Zespri.
​
EKiwi was formed in 2018 by two New Zealand growers Jan Benes and Craig Lemon (as part of the Jace Group of investments via shareholding in Hong Kong based entity Endeavour Fresh Japan Limited), and several Japanese investors to develop kiwifruit in accordance with best horticultural practices. The orchards are based in the Ehime prefecture in Western Japan. The kiwifruit development is continuing with plans to harvest Gold kiwifruit under the G3 variety licence by Zespri. EKiwi currently employs 10 full time Japanese staff members plus 3 casual staff members, as well as 5 New Zealand staff who oversee the development.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Since arriving in Japan in 2013 our team has been focussing on building world class kiwifruit orchards that local Japanese communities can be proud of. During this time we have built good relationships with local land owners and farmers to amalgamate more than 170 sections and develop the land, employ local people and share our knowledge. The fruit we are now producing is yielding above average, which is supplied to Zespri and sold across Japan.
We only use agrichemicals that are approved by the Japanese Government and Zespri. Under the JGap audit system, we utilise and store chemicals in line with best practice.
​
Water usage is delivered by efficient irrigation systems to minimise wastage, ensuring we only use what we need to. On a per hectare basis this makes us more efficient than other kiwifruit growers in the region.
​
For the Nagano community, we have cleaned tonnes of rubbish from the orchard land, and have preserved a portion of the land to be donated back to the community to be used as a wider farm road.
​
We look forward to showing the community our completed orchards very soon, and continuing our partnership.
​
​
​
​
​
​
Jan Benes - Director
