New Zealand strawberry growers are reporting a strong crop for the 2025 season, supported by favourable growing conditions across key producing regions. The crop has shown good berry size, colour, and consistency, with volumes expected to remain steady through the main harvest period.
Dr Carolyn Lister, Principal Scientist and Science Team Leader (Food & Health Information) at Plant & Food Research and Trustee for the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, said the positive harvest outlook aligns with the wider health value of the crop. "Just one cup provides 200% of your daily vitamin C, supporting your immune system and helping to keep your skin radiant. They're also a source of dietary fibre for healthy digestion, folate for growth and development, niacin to keep your brain cells happy, and potassium to help maintain healthy blood pressure. In short, they're a tasty way to get a powerhouse of nutrients into your diet," Dr Lister said.
Peak strawberry harvest in New Zealand is expected around mid-November, with local supply entering the market in strong volumes. Retailers are reporting high fruit availability, and the produce is expected to reach consumers at stable prices during the height of the season.
Growers are advising that strawberries should be stored under refrigerated conditions to maintain shelf life and handled carefully to avoid bruising due to the fruit's soft texture.
According to Dr Lister, consumption trends also reflect the crop's versatility. "Beetroot, asparagus, and rocket are other interesting salad ingredients that pair really well with strawberries," she said, noting that the fruit's use has expanded beyond dessert and snack markets into prepared meals, juices, and fresh-cut applications.
The current season highlights the role of climatic stability in achieving uniform yields across open-field and protected production systems. Many growers continue to focus on optimizing planting density, pollination management, and substrate performance to improve both quality and harvest predictability.
The 2025 crop follows a series of variable seasons affected by rain and temperature fluctuations, making this year's favourable weather a welcome development for the domestic industry. As the harvest progresses, New Zealand's strawberry supply chain, spanning growers, distributors, and retail partners, is preparing for consistent supply through the holiday season.
With production conditions currently stable, industry observers expect the 2025 New Zealand strawberry crop to maintain both quality and supply reliability through the end of the year.
Source: 5+ADay
