New Zealand Blueberry Growers Anticipate Another Record Season
AUCKLAND, Monday 9th December 2019: New Zealanders ate a record seven million punnets of fresh locally-grown blueberries
last season and are expected to eat even more this summer as the main season gets underway.
Latest supermarket sales data shows Kiwis bought an extra one million punnets of blueberries (18.3% more) last summer
compared to the year before, with total sales now exceeding $25 million.
New Zealand Olympian Eliza McCartney has signed on to be Blueberries’ NZ ambassador for the fourth year running and the
organisation’s Chairman, Dan Peach, credits this high-profile partnership and general health trends for the big rise in
sales.
“Eliza is a wonderful person to work with and our association with her certainly adds to the growing popularity of
blueberries,” he says. “New Zealanders are now more aware of the extraordinary health benefits so they’re choosing to
eat blueberries in greater quantities than ever before.”
Blueberries are a superfruit and contain higher antioxidant levels than just about every other fruit and vegetable. The
flavonoid, anthocyanin, gives blueberries their colour and is the antioxidant with the greatest impact against
free-radical damage.
Antioxidants in blueberries slow down the brain’s aging process, therefore delaying mental decline. They are also
anti-inflammatory and inflammation is the key driver of all chronic disease, Dan explains.
“Blueberries pack a real punch with the positive effect they have on gut health, anti-aging and brain function, and can
lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.”
Parents will be interested to know that blueberries assist with memory, particularly in children, as foods rich in
flavonoids help with cognitive brain function.
“We’re thrilled that a growing number of New Zealanders are recognising the health benefits and incorporating fresh
blueberries into their diets,” Dan says. “They’re an easy way to improve your mood and the bottom line is they taste
delicious.”
Thanks to greenhouse innovations, blueberries are now grown under cover year-round but the main supply runs from
December until March which is when consumers can expect to enjoy the best value for money.
“There will be plenty of blueberries available in supermarkets from now on and with Eliza’s help, local growers will try
to keep raising the bar in terms of the annual sales figures we can collectively achieve.”
About Blueberries New Zealand
Blueberries New Zealand Inc (BBNZ) represents the blueberry industry in New Zealand. The group helps growers promote and
develop the local industry, comply with regulations, and co-ordinate a research and development programme.
New Zealand’s blueberry industry is rapidly expanding. There are 600 hectares planted at present in both the North and
South Islands. BBNZ consists of grower members, exporter members and associate members and aims to further the interests
of all blueberry industry participants.
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