After two tough years of storms and low supply, New Zealand strawberry growers are celebrating a big comeback.
This summer, more strawberries will be available just in time for Christmas, making it easier for families to enjoy the juicy fruit on their festive desserts.
Ed Hobson from Hauora Produce in Canterbury said he’s excited about the harvest. His farm is one of 160 across the country, with eight of them growing half of all strawberry plants.
Recent years were hard, with storms and Cyclone Gabrielle destroying many plants. Some growers only received half the number of plants they needed. It took two years to recover because strawberry plants must be carefully grown from small cuttings.
Sally King from Strawberry Growers NZ said growers worked very hard through the challenges. Although it wasn’t easy, their efforts have paid off.
Andrew Boylan from Tharfield Nursery said it was once heartbreaking to realise there wouldn’t be enough fruit for shops. But now, he says, things are looking much better.
With flowers and fruit already appearing on the plants, prices should be lower, and supply more steady. Hobson encourages everyone to enjoy the season while it lasts.
“Just keep eating strawberries,” he said.
