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Ben Buchanan holds this year’s pumpkin harvest.
photo: food
A bumper pumpkin crop this year means lower prices, which is good news for consumers but not the best news for growers.
The latest data from Statistics New Zealand shows pumpkin prices fell 57% in June compared to the same period last year.
Brigit Corson, head of meat and produce at North Island Foods, said the whole top pumpkin was one of New Zealand’s most popular varieties, with its large size offering great value for customers.
“It’s great to see pumpkins back on the shelves and at a good price for New Zealanders, Cyclone Gabriel in 2023 destroyed a lot of pumpkins, resulting in a shortage of pumpkins and higher than normal prices.
“This year it’s been the complete opposite, the growing conditions were excellent, the yield was huge, the pumpkins were so big, one pumpkin can go a long way.”
Corson said the price depends on the size of the pumpkin, but will range from $2.99 to $4.99.
She said while it was good news for consumers, the bumper harvest did mean lower prices for growers.
“Agricultural products are all about supply and demand, so growers can sell more but get a lower price, that’s how the market works.”
Unearthed Produce is the local supplier of pumpkins to Foodstuffs North Island stores and general manager Ben Buchanan said it was great to see pumpkin production rebound after weather events affected the growing season last year.
“Pumpkins are highly dependent on natural environmental factors and the prevailing growing conditions.
“Growing conditions were excellent this year, with the perfect combination of heat, sunshine and timely rain, and we had a good crop of pumpkins, with an ample supply of pumpkins across New Zealand.”
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