Supporting Organizations
Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (KAC)
Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (KAC), operating under the USDA since 1984, plays a significant role in stabilizing market conditions and building consumer confidence. The KAC created this website as a place to communicate all things California Kiwifruit with both industry members and consumers. KAC sets minimum quality, size, grade, and maturity standards for all California-grown and imported kiwifruit. In collaboration with the USDA, KAC ensures compliance with these standards through mandatory inspections. It also gathers and disseminates industry statistics, providing vital information for market analysis and decision-making. The committee, comprising twenty-two grower members and alternates, as well as two public members, is financed through assessments paid by handlers.
International Kiwifruit Organization (IKO)
The International Kiwifruit Organization (IKO), established in 1983, brings together major kiwifruit-producing countries from around the world. It hosts annual meetings, rotating among member countries, to facilitate collaboration and information sharing. Members exchange production, inventory, pricing, and marketing strategies throughout the year. Together, they tackle critical issues such as EUREGAP, food safety, and setting international kiwifruit standards. IKO also supports global kiwifruit research, particularly in health benefits.
Member countries of the IKO include Chile, France, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and the USA. Guest participating countries include Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey, adding a diverse global perspective to the organization.
