In Canterbury, New Zealand, Berries Direct, a Rolleston-based business, has shifted its sales model from supermarkets to a pick-your-own system, complemented by pre-packed punnets available on-site. This business model has seen its popularity double annually, attracting hundreds of visitors each day during the picking season. Berries Direct, one of three blueberry growers in the region, also offers twilight picking sessions, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
The industry, according to Tim Pow of Berries Direct, faces challenges but benefits from favorable growing conditions in spring. Pow, with around 20 years of experience in horticulture, finds the intensive work rewarding, especially during the three months of harvest. The business starts its pick-your-own season based on weather and berry ripeness, offering berries at competitive prices and featuring real fruit ice cream made with local berries, including those from Canterberries.
Canterberries, another Rolleston farm, managed by Tracy and Andrew Freeman, has expanded its berry offerings to include raspberries, currants, and gooseberries, with future plans for more varieties. This farm also operates on a pick-your-own basis and sells its produce along with jams and honey at local farmers' markets. The Freemans emphasize the importance of providing a memorable berry-picking experience to the Canterbury community.
In North Canterbury, Tram Road Fruit Farm, owned by Paul Tapper, attracts visitors from across the region for its diverse range of berries and stone fruits. Tapper highlights the enjoyment and unpredictability of farming, noting the strong community support and the tradition of berry picking as part of the Christmas celebration. The farm's success is attributed to the local community's continued patronage and the joy families find in the activity.
These Canterbury-based farms underscore the region's evolving agricultural landscape, where direct consumer engagement and sustainable farming practices create unique experiences for both growers and visitors.
Source: The Press