What will berry season look like this season? Nikki Birrell talks to some experts to find out.
Summer in New Zealand is synonymous with fresh, vibrant berries, and this year’s season is shaping up to be a fruitful one.
With a mix of favourable weather and evolving agricultural practices, berry lovers can expect a delicious variety of fruits to grace their tables in the months ahead.
Strawberries: A seasonal favourite returns in force
Strawberries are making a strong comeback after challenging seasons marked by extreme weather events. Sally King, executive manager of Strawberry Growers NZ, highlights the recovery: “Volumes are recovering after a couple of difficult seasons in the aftermath of Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. This year we have plentiful supply, meaning consumers can look forward to great value.”
The improvement isn’t just in quantity but quality. King notes growers are increasingly adopting biocontrols for pests and diseases rather than relying on chemical sprays, which aligns with consumer demand for healthier, more environmentally friendly produce. With retailers employing chillers to preserve freshness, strawberries should hold pride of place on pavlovas across the country.
However, King also cautions the season’s success is always at the mercy of the weather.
Blackberries: Extended availability
Blackberries are set for a stellar season this summer. Simon Tallon, general manager of Fresh Berry Company, says: “Our Driscoll’s blackberries are just heading into their peak production, which will see strong volume between now and the end of January.”
Tallon also highlights that this year marks a significant shift for blackberries in New Zealand. Historically available only in small quantities around Christmas, the extended supply of Driscoll’s blackberries will allow consumers to enjoy them for eight to nine months of the year.
“We are so excited to be able to introduce more Kiwis to this fabulous berry,” he says.
Raspberries: Peak in early 2025
Raspberries, too, are expected to shine this summer, with peak volumes arriving between January and March. Tallon predicts a steady supply, which will likely lead to more affordable prices during this period. This abundance should make raspberries a welcome change from the usual strawberries and blueberries, offering a burst of flavour for holiday meals and beyond.
Blueberries: Early abundance
Unusually hot spring weather brought the blueberry season forward by a couple of weeks, ensuring a strong supply through the festive period. Tallon remarks on the quality of this year’s crop: “We have seen fantastic size and flavour across the blueberry crop so far and expect this to continue until mid-May.” With their rich antioxidant content, blueberries will remain a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.
Cherries: Cross your fingers for a bumper crop
Foodstuffs North Island is anticipating a fruitful cherry season, with head of produce Brigit Corson optimistic about the weeks ahead. “All going well, a little sunshine over the coming weeks should see plenty of cherries in our New World, Pak’nSave and Four Square stores,” says Corson.
“It always feels like we’re crossing our fingers to get the fruit into stores in the right volume and at the right time. I’m hoping for some sunshine in the coming weeks in Central Otago to help push things along.”
Cherries are already a festive favourite, with more than 280,000 customers snapping them up in the week leading up to Christmas last year across Foodstuffs’ North Island stores. With additional trees planted in recent years, Corson is forecasting slightly higher volumes this season and expects demand to grow even further.
“If we’re lucky with the weather, sometimes we will still have them on shelves in early February, so I’m crossing my fingers for that too,” she says.
This summer promises a bounty of fresh, flavourful berries. Whether you’re topping a pavlova, blending a smoothie or simply snacking, there’s no shortage of vibrant, locally grown options to enjoy. Keep an eye out at your local markets and grocers for these seasonal treats.
Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years. From managing your kitchen to cutting costs, she’s shared some helpful advice recently, including how to make the perfect risotto, the secret to cooking dried beans and choosing the right pasta.