Confidence in the future of blueberries as a crop is expected to drive sector expansion in the coming years, according to Blueberries New Zealand. Currently, around 100 blueberry growers operate in regions including Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Northland, Wellington, and Nelson.
In the 2023/2024 season, New Zealand produced approximately 4,000 tons on 1,000 hectares. While this year's harvest figures are pending due to year-round cultivation, about 75% of production caters to local consumption, with around 1,000 tons exported to Australia.
In October 2022, a late frost severely impacted the Waikato crop, destroying over 90%. However, production in the past two seasons has improved. Blueberries New Zealand chair Kelvin Bezuidenhout noted that winter and spring 2024 were warm and dry, leading to an early harvest. The season has been steady in terms of volume and price for local market fruit. Exports to Australia have also been favorable, encouraging discussions about increased plantings.
"We've got an outstanding season window now when the (Australian) crops have all finished, we get our late season Rabbit Eyes in there, growers target them to send over there…. (the price) is also sitting sort of historically average I'd say. But you know that for most growers is a good value," Bezuidenhout stated.
The potential of Australia and South Korea as markets are motivating current growers and exporters to consider expansion. "We've got Korea opening up thanks to hard work by MPI and so looking to push for more volume into that market…," he added. Some growers are trialing new, New Zealand-bred varieties that yield well and are easy to pick. New genetic material is also sourced from the United States.
Source: Farmers Weekly