Commercial Growers

Whilst it is still early days for Haskap Berries in Australia, our trials are showing that they do grow well in this part of the world. It seems to us that there are definite opportunities for commercial berry growers interested in adding this unique berry into their farming operations.

Several are already making this move.

The first aspect to consider of course is your geographic location: Because as Haskaps are a cold weather berry your property needs to have 800 – 1200 chill factor hours. It would be important for you to ascertain this, you could try this website  https://www.plantnet.com.au/plant-care/chill-hours-guide/

 Further details on growing them are available on this site.

With respect to their commercial viability, an aspect that you are no doubt well-aware of is that there is a growing interest throughout the Australian population in quality nutrition and the value of berries for this purpose.

And it is worth noting that there are very few cultivated berries that offer the equivalent nutritional benefits as Haskap Berries.

These berries are exceptionally high in vitamin C, potassium, phenolic compounds and other antioxidants.

According to research conducted in Canada, the antioxidant level of Haskaps is far higher than pomegranates, grapes, apples, blue berries – most other types of fruit and berries you can get while still being palatable. They freeze particularly well and can be eaten fresh or frozen.

And as for anthocyanins: The TAC (anthocyanin content) in Haskaps is on average – 1,300mg / 100gms FW which is higher than any other known fruit sources.

Blueberries are considered to be rich with just 99.9 mg /100g FW - Not knocking blueberries but Haskaps are 130 times higher in this!

NB: Anthocyanins have been reported as having the capacity to lower blood pressure, improve visual acuity, reduce cancer cell proliferation, inhibit tumour formation, prevent diabetes, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and modulate cognitive and motor function. They are also claimed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity.

 But in addition to their value as fresh fruit or in juices or powder formulations we are strongly of the opinion that there is going to develop an exceptionally high demand for them in the commercial arena - from restaurants, chocolatiers, wine and liqueur makers and so on as they’re exceptional in desserts, ice creams, marinades, wines, liqueurs, chocolates and more. It’s worth checking out the website of Sweet Prairie Haskap Orchards in Canada www.sweetprairiehaskap.com and there is now a book available on Amazon dedicated solely to cooking with Haskap Berries: Second Helpings - Cooking with Haskaps.

But if that is not enough to impress you, as mentioned in the article ‘Something of Interest’ on this site there is considerable long range export potential for this berry.

Apart from there being a massive demand for it in Japan, a South Korean company, Kang Shin Industrial has placed a standing order for when Australia can supply in the region of 15,000kgs of produce.

That has to be exciting, because whether we ever export or not, it shows the level of interest around the world in Haskap Berries.

But don’t take our word for it…may we recommend you undertake research on the Haskap Berry on the web. The excitement about them in Canada, the USA and many other places around the world tells it all.

We can supply you with varieties of Haskaps in 32 cell trays.

Your enquiries are most welcome, go to our ‘Contact’ page and fill out the form.