Growing the Future: How Kiwi Farmers Are Redefining the Berry Industry
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When most people think of berries, they picture a punnet of bright strawberries, a handful of blueberries on their breakfast, or the tart sweetness of raspberries and blackberries in desserts. But behind every berry is a story - of farms, innovation, and dedication.
Driscoll’s™ is the world’s largest berry company, with varieties grown in 21 countries and sold in 48. In New Zealand, that global expertise comes through The Fresh Berry Company, the exclusive agent for Driscoll’s™ genetics, sales, and distribution. What makes them unique here is their four-berry solution: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, grown locally for up to eight months of the year.
While Driscoll’s may be a global name, in New Zealand it’s the individual growers who bring that story to life. This season, we caught up with three growers to hear what it means to be part of The Fresh Berry Company family.
Dan Peach
Blueberries have been a lifelong journey for Dan Peach. What started as a small university project has grown into Oakberry Farms, a family business in the
Waikato he runs with his wife Jacqui. “We aim to be market-leading, from technology to genetics,” says Dan, whose farm is among the few in New Zealand growing Driscoll’s blueberries. “Consistency of quality is everything. If we say we’ll deliver, we will. Reliability is one of our core values.”
Beyond the crops, it’s the partnerships that keep Dan motivated. “Being part of the Driscoll’s family feels like being part of something bigger. If there’s ever a problem, we’ve got global experts supporting us within days. There’s a real sense of connection and transparency.” Even after almost 30 years in the industry, his love for blueberries hasn’t waned: “I never get sick of them. I’m constantly eating fruit straight off the bush.”
Todd Feather
When Todd Feather saw an opportunity to diversify from dairy farming into horticulture in 2014, he jumped at the chance. His Onewhero farm, Sunrise Berries, grows strawberries, raspberries, and most recently, blackberries under The Fresh Berry Company umbrella.
For Todd, growing berries using tunnel houses and hydroponics has been a game-changer. “Soft fruit is delicate, and indoors we have more control, which means better quality, and for us, quality and reputation is everything.”
Like many new growers, the early years brought steep challenges, from labour shortages to plant supply issues. “We were very lucky not to tip upside down,” he admits. But with support from The Fresh Berry Company and the team’s resilience, Sunrise Berries has found its rhythm. Now, Todd is especially excited about the new Driscoll’s blackberry variety. “They’re unlike anything New Zealand has seen, as big as your thumb, and the flavour is amazing. I’ve loved blackberries since I was a kid, and to now grow something this special is hugely rewarding.”
Johnny Milmine
As General Manager of Berry Farms NZ in Hawke’s Bay, Johnny Milmine oversees the growing operation producing strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for the business. “The varieties we grow are world-class, sweet, long-lasting, and full of flavour,” Johnny says. “We produce around 90% of New Zealand’s blackberries, and there’s massive opportunity there. People think of blackberries as small and seedy, but Driscoll’s berries are big, plump, and delicious.”
Johnny says the most rewarding part of his job is seeing his team succeed. “We’ve got a dedicated group of people, many of whom have been with us for years. Getting through challenges like Cyclone Gabrielle showed our resilience. We rebuilt, replanted, and now we’re back stronger than ever.” He sees the berry industry as one of the most exciting growth stories in New Zealand horticulture – young, vibrant, and full of potential. “With global expertise and local passion, the future is huge.”
Together, growers like Dan, Todd, and Johnny represent the spirit of The Fresh Berry Company: innovative, resilient, and committed to bringing the very best berries to New Zealanders. At The Fresh Berry Company, growers are at the heart of the business. “We’re selective, partnering only with those who share Driscoll’s vision to provide only the finest berries,” says Simon Tallon, General Manager of the Fresh Berry Company.
Looking ahead, the vision is clear: to build a sustainable berry industry in New Zealand that makes berries accessible and affordable, all year round. Whether it’s blueberries fresh off the bush, strawberries in a summer salad, or blackberries enjoyed straight from the punnet, every berry tells the story of a grower’s care, a team’s hard work, and a brand that unites them all.
