No blues for these berries

The country's 50 blueberry growers have produced 1.37 million kg of blueberries for local and export markets.

Blueberry NZ chairman Dan Peach says production had been around 1 million kg during the past few seasons and is now steadily rising. "Sales of blueberries have increased dramatically in recent years with promotion and more awareness of the health benefits," he told Rural News.

Production has risen because of land conversions and farmers planting new varieties to boost yield.

Peach, who farms at Matangi, Waikato, also runs a packhouse packing fruit for 10 other growers. Most growers run small operations, selling at their gates.

A few producers account for most of the production. NZ Gourmet, Hawke's Bay, is the largest, growing 50% of the total crop. NZ Gourmet also grows and exports other crop.

Peach says blueberry farming is "a long term deal. "We don't have the same infrastructure as the apple, grape or kiwifruit sectors. From deciding to plant blueberries to getting an economic yield can take up to 10 years."

Blueberries NZ recently said 10m punnets of berries worth $30m were shipped in the year ended March 2016 – 40% more than the season before.

Demand is growing, especially in Asia-Pacific where a 'food-as-medicine' culture prevails. Asian markets have a voracious appetite for blueberries because of the wide range of health benefits they offer, Peach says.

BBNZ is working to open new markets in Asia-Pacific to allow its members to take advantage of the fruit's popularity.

"Few other products can take maximum advantage of the 'NZ Inc' brand in Asia-Pacific like blueberries can," Peach says. "We are uniquely placed with a counter-seasonal supply that enjoys the benefits of the clean, green, safe image NZ produce has in Asia."