Tasman Bay Berries owner Maree Holland says they are still assessing the impact of the storms, but definitely have enough berries for the busy holiday season.
“It’s hard to tell the impact at this stage, especially when it’s so busy,” she says.
“But we definitely have enough for Christmas orders, enough for our shop and enough for handpicking.”
The region was also hit by hail in November 2014, causing millions of dollars of damage. Despite this, fruit in the region has generally done well throughout 2015, so there is hope for a similar outcome this time around.
“There’s been pockets of damage for us,” Mrs Holland says. “But we’re still going and have a busy season ahead of us.”
Tasman Bay Berries is a popular destination for handpicking berries, and is gearing up for another busy summer season.The family-run company is also the largest boysenberry supplier for exporter Sujon, with produce going to major markets in New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the Pacific region.
Mrs Holland says this season’s crop of berries is looking good, despite some weather challenges throughout the year.
“It’s been different season, the weather’s been a bit strange, and we’ve taken a few nights off because berries weren’t ready to be picked,” she says.
“But they’re great, really beautiful and juicy, so it’s looking like a good season in that regard.”
Tasman Bay Berries have 44 Hectares of boysenberries and two hectares of raspberries, sold commercially and directly to consumers. They are currently busy running events for Christmas, including two event days on the 23rd and 24th of December, with a bouncy castle, live music and more on their farm.
For more information:
Maree Holland
Tasman Bay Berries
Tel: +64 354 405 34
Email: maree@tasmanbayberries.co.nz
www.tasmanbayberries.co.nz