Washington State-based Viva Tierra Organic has kicked off its second season importing organic Italian kiwifruit, with the fruit set to be available for U.S. shoppers until February.

The company is hopeful to replicate a successful trial for the product last year, and in a release said the first organic green Hayward kiwifruit from Italy arrived on the East Coast in late September.

Viva also expects the first organic golden kiwifruit to arrive from the same origin late this month, with plans to sell the variety until the end of 2014.

"Italy is a world leader in the production of kiwifruit.  Rich volcanic soil, warm sun, gentle rain and dedicated organic growers combine to produce exceptionally flavorful, sweet, and finely textured fruit of the highest quality," the company said in the release.

"Kiwifruit, with their brilliantly colored flesh and furry brown exteriors, have been growing in popularity with consumers over the past several years.

"They are easy and delicious to eat out of hand as well as a great addition to recipes.  They also pack a nutrient punch, containing more vitamin C than oranges."

The kiwifruit are packed with PLU stickers in bulk 9-kg "Viva Tierra Organic" boxes, while the distributor also plans to introduce a branded, 1-lb zipper bag in November.

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