Softening of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit on the vine and in storage: The effects of temperature

•The softening pattern on-vine and in storage is sigmoidal.•The portion of the sigmoidal seen in storage depends on the softening rate at harvest.•Fruit develop a capacity to soften in response to low temperature whilst on the vine.•This capacity develops 1–2 weeks before the start of faster softening on the vine.•Temperatures in the region of 8–10°C can increase the softening rate.