New Zealand will soon be home to the world’s largest blueberries, as new plants are being grown in the Kerikeri and Waikato regions.
These blueberries, known as the Eterna variety, can grow as big as a ping-pong ball and weigh up to 20.4 grams.
The Fresh Berry Company is working with international producer Driscoll’s to grow the giant fruit. The blueberries were first grown in Australia and are now being carefully planted in New Zealand after passing strict checks by the Ministry for Primary Industries to ensure they are free of pests and diseases.
Simon Tallon, the company’s general manager, explained that the plants are grown in nurseries before being moved to farms. He said their goal is to produce berries that are not only larger, but also firmer, longer-lasting, and great-tasting.
A small number of the super-sized blueberries are expected to appear in New Zealand supermarkets late next year.
In other berry news, the company plans to open its first South Island berry farm in Nelson in 2026. Most of their berries are grown under plastic tunnel houses to protect them, although some are grown for export.
Tallon also said that a bumper crop of strawberries is expected before Christmas, coming from farms in Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, and Northland. Last year, New Zealanders bought $120 million worth of berries.
