We are proud to produce strawberries that have a flavoursome taste and scent – just like strawberries are supposed to be. When you visit our Packhouse Shop you will know what we mean!

A mild climate and rich soils make the Horowhenua District ideal for farming, market gardening and horticulture. The quality class 1 soil makes for beautiful fertile land which coupled with years of experience and meticulous processes, results in a high yield strawberry harvest year after year.

Our strawberries are grown in raised beds enclosed with polythene. We use fresh soil and new plants each season to ensure our berries are sweet, juicy and large.

Ventana strawberries are slightly lighter in colour (red-orange) with excellent fruit quality. They have good flavor, a standard shape, and are large in size. This plant generally bears its fruit from early October to early January and is a cultivar that originated in California, USA. These berries are suited to selling in the road side stall and fresh market as they are able to handle processing well.

Camarosa is one of the most common varieties of strawberries grown which produces a big yield of large dark red berries. The berries are hardy and stand up well to rain, handling, storage and transporting. Camarosa berries are a customer favourite for their sweet, juicy and flavoursome taste. The plant bears fruit from late-October into February. 

Being close to both State Highway 1 and 57, means that we are easily accessible for people passing through the district, and handy to Levin and the surrounding areas. Shirley’s Strawberries location is ideal for transporting produce to the Wellington produce market and for market traders to collect produce from the farm. The Horowhenua is a great place to develop a business as it is small enough to make business connections, and large enough to provide a good, consistent customer base.

Shirley’s Strawberries is a GAP certified business which is about the systems and standards inside the farm gate. GAP certification identifies growers who have been audited and can prove they have met these standards. NZGAP participates in a network of similar programmes around the world. This means the standards are relevant and internationally recognised. Being GAP certified, Shirley’s Strawberries looks to continually improve growing systems to ensure the highest quality berries and sustainable practice. You can find out more about Good Agricultural Practice here.

- 10 strawberries contain 50mg of Vitamin C, which is more Vitamin C than one orange

- Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to protect our bodies from damage, and is involved in the growth of our bones, tendons, ligaments and skin. It also increases the absorption of iron from our foods

- Strawberries are also a source of dietary fibre, folate, niacin, and contain potassium.

- Strawberries are low in calories, delicious, and healthy

- They are a good source of many vitamins, minerals and plant compounds -some of which have powerful health benefits

- The health benefits include reduced cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and oxidative stress

- Furthermore, these berries may help prevent big spikes in both blood sugar and insulin levels

- Strawberries are an excellent addition to a healthy diet.