96 | PRODUCTION Mamaku Blue Family business still bearing fruit T Karen Phelps Mamaku Blue produces a diverse range of blueberry and gooseberry products, including juice, health powder, jam, chutney, vinaigrette, vinegar, chilli sauce, chocolate, liqueur, cider, desert sauce, soap, face and body cream. Forty years ago Mamaku Blue was one of the first blueberry growers in New Zealand. Now the Rotorua-based company is celebrating four decades of operation. “I was here when the first blueberries were planted and it’s exciting that we have been so successful as a family business for so long,” says Phillip Frost who runs the day-to-day side of the business with wife Michaela. “And we’re still excited about the future, growth and opportunities.” Phillip’s parents purchased a 40ha farm in 1968. Realizing it was too small to be a sheep or dairy unit they began looking at horticultural options in early 1980’s. Ideas such as raspberries and strawberries were dismissed as either unsuitable for the climate or more difficult to pick. When a friend mentioned blueberries the couple tried one, liked the taste and decided to give them a go. With no idea how to plant blueberries they sought advice and were told to rip open the bag the plant was delivered in, beat the roots on the back of a truck to loosen them, pop them in the ground then stamp around them to secure them before cutting the tops right down. They planted a hectare then went to a blueberry conference and were horrified to be told they should have taken a much gentler approach. Several nervous months later, fearing their entire crop was ruined, the couple were pleased to discover they had a 100% success rate – much higher than the industry average at the time. Mamaku blueberries are still planted in much the same way today. Today the family has 20,000 blueberry and 1000 gooseberry plants. They continue to innovate and respond to market and environmental conditions. For example recently they have invested in tunnel housing as a response to increasing extreme weather events, to give more security and improve quality of product. Mamaku Blue sells primarily through farmers markets and also through Farro Fresh in Auckland. Mamaku Blue exported for 20 years, until market conditions became unfavourable in the early 2000s, but find they have more than enough demand locally. The business also includes producing award-winning fruit wines for local and international markets. Phillip says it’s a hobby started by Harry that has grown into an amazingly successful business. As well as the winery and the blueberry farm, the complex is also home to the Blueberry Café, where delicious food, desserts, and of course real fruit ice creams are served daily. Harry and Anne have over the years assembled an eclectic collection of super- interesting memorabilia and artefacts, some dating back over 100 years, available for viewing. Over the years an incredibly diverse range of blueberry and gooseberry products has developed including juice, health powder, jam, chutney, vinaigrette, vinegar, chilli sauce, chocolate, liqueur, cider, desert sauce, soap, face and body cream and even blueberry dog treats. While Harry and Anne may be taking more of a backseat these days, they are still actively involved with Harry driving the tractor to assist and Anne working on admin. Because blueberry farming is not only a family enterprise and a great place to work and play but a passion that drives the family to continuously strive for smarter ways to farm, all while keeping sustainability at the forefront of everything they do and produce. “I was here when the first blueberries were planted and it’s exciting that we have been so successful as a family business for so long.” BUMBLEBEES POLLINATORS YOU CAN TRUST * * * * * * WEATHER HARDY ♦ WORK MORE DAYS & LONGER EACH DAY SYNERGY WITH HONEYBEES ♦ ALTERNATE PEAKS OF ACTIVITY ♦ IMPROVED SPEED & EFFICIENCY BETTER CROSS-POLLINATION ♦ UP TO 20X BETTER IN SOME CROPS 2 - 3X FASTER ON FLOWERS DEPENDABLE ACTIVITY NEW INSULATED BOX + = www.biobees.co.nz office@biobees.co.nz (06) 879-5883 GPS Guidance, Autosteer, ISOBUS Control Hardware for, Planters, Sprayers, Spreaders, Seeders, Harvesters Etc. JD 750A Air-Seeder & No-Till Planter Hardware. 0275 083 789 unearthag.com Providing high quality innovative products and services to New Zealand farms and growers with a focus on nutrient e ciency and sustainability. The largest range of BioGro Certified plant nutrient products.
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