Zespri speeds NZD $70m claims with SAP automation push

• Zespri processes 40,000+ quality claims yearly worth $70M using new SAP automation platform
• System handles 80% of claims with automated recommendations plus human oversight
• Platform reduces processing from hours to seconds across eight global markets

When your kiwi fruit business handles more complaints than a hotel concierge, automation becomes less luxury and more survival strategy. Zespri's $70 million annual claims processing nightmare just got the digital equivalent of a triple espresso shot, transforming what used to be a manual slog into a seconds-flat resolution machine.

The real genius here isn't just speed—it's the "human-in-the-loop" approach that keeps expert judgment in the driver's seat while letting AI handle the routine stuff. Think of it as having a really smart intern who never needs coffee breaks but still asks the boss before making big decisions. This hybrid model tackles the classic automation dilemma: how do you scale expertise without losing the nuanced thinking that separates good service from robotic responses.

For the fresh produce industry, this represents a seismic shift from the traditional "trust us, we'll get back to you eventually" approach to customer complaints. When you can process over 1,000 deliveries in under two minutes, you're not just improving efficiency—you're fundamentally changing customer expectations across an entire sector. Other produce companies are probably looking at their manila folders and Excel spreadsheets with newfound existential dread.