Leaderbrand's corn crop. Photo: Brennan Thomas / Leaderbrand
The country's largest corn grower said despite recent wet weather the crop is looking great as cobs start hitting supermarket shelves.
Leaderbrand which grows half of New Zealand's corn has just began picking its corn in Gisborne.
Chief executive Richard Burke said they have had over two metres of rain so far this year- double what they would normally get - but the corn has coped well.
"We're so lucky we had a great August in Gisborne which really saved us because we were able to successfully plant our corn.
"Even though we've had more rain, the days are warmer and cooler nights means that the sweetness has been locked into the crop."
Burke said crews would harvest for the next month or so with supplies expected to last through until February.
Leaderbrand harvesting its corn crop. Photo: Brennan Thomas / Leaderbrand
Supermarkets told Leaderbrand that 57 cobs of sweet corn were sold every second last year and that sweet corn was in the top five items for Christmas, he said.
"It's only around for three months so people need to make the most of it and enjoy the corn while they can.
"We play around with different varieties to ensure we're growing the right variant for Gisborne's climate.
"Our corn is all about making sure we have the best tasting, sweet and creamy corn. We know how much Kiwis love their sweet corn so it's important to us that every cob is packed full of flavour."
Burke said they were looking forward to warmer, drier weather forecast with El Niño - which has not arrived yet.
"To be honest, we've had a crappy year and can't wait to see the back end of 2023. We've been in a war against the weather for the last year and we're looking forward to a change in weather patterns which will mean good news for all of us.
"A greater supply of fresh produce is now hitting the fresh aisles meaning better value at the till for customers."
