Two years after storms destroyed strawberry plant stock, its levels are back to normal – and just in time for the Christmas spread.
It’s good news for families planning a pavlova this festive season and for all lovers of the ruby red fruit.
Grower Ed Hobson of Hauora Produce in Canterbury told 1News he’s “pretty excited” ahead of this year’s harvest.
“We’ve had a good start… there’s lots of flowers and fruit coming through,” he said.
Why this summer’s looking particularly sweet for strawberry fans – Watch on TVNZ+
The farm is among 160 commercial strawberry growers across the country, eight of them contributing 50% of the plant volume.
Wild weather plagued the last two seasons, with heavy storms and Cyclone Gabrielle wiping out plant stock by more than a third.
Strawberry Growers NZ executive director Sally King said growers were “very resilient” but “it hasn’t been easy”.
“We’ve had lower plant numbers, and we’ve had real changes in the growing community.”
Hobson added that the farm “only got half our quota” two years ago – an issue shared by many growers nationwide.
It took two years to get the fruit to the table, starting with propagators that cultivate the plants from scratch.
Tharfield Nursery’s Andrew Boylan remembered how “devastating” it was to be told at the last minute that the plants wouldn’t be ready for supermarket shelves.
But this year had been a success, he said.
“It’s a challenge to grow a strawberry and grow a juicy good one but we’ve got a good team behind us and we’re succeeding at the moment.”
King said “events unfold” but growers were “looking pretty happy about the season – or as happy as any grower would tell you”.
And the next crop’s already in bud.
“You’ll start seeing good pricing and good supply,” Hobson said.
“Just keep eating strawberries.”
