• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, September 7, 2011

Zespri International Limited has launched Kiwifruit for Kids, a Facebook app that will reward participation with donations to organizations working to combat childhood obesity.  

To play, kids pick their favorite animated Zespri character and "throw" virtual kiwifruits to their friends.

Zespri , a New Zealand-based, grower-owned global marketer of kiwifruit, will donate $10,000 to an obesity-fighting organization within the region that wins by earning the most points. The second-place organization will win a $5,000 donation, and the remaining four organizations will each receive a $1,500 donation.

The app ties in with Zespri's marketing emphasis on the health benefits of kiwifruit (as well as sustainable growing/operating practices). The Zespri.com site also offers other kids' games, including a kiwifruit trivia/facts quiz and a "life of a kiwifruit" game (kids help a virtual grower tend his orchard).