Agricultural Manager (South Island) Mark Daniels says that with higher than average temperatures, the pea crop had matured more quickly than usual and yields were generally above average.

“Crop quality has been excellent, and with such settled weather since we started the harvest in late November, there was a good flow of product into the plant. Great quality and smooth product flow is the recipe for success.”

Heinz Wattie’s is the largest pea processing operation in Australasia, and it has distinguished itself on the basis of the sustainability of the crop. Wattie’s uses about 30% of its pea crop for its own products, frozen and canned, and the balance is exported, with the major markets being Australia, Asia, Europe and North America.

In total Wattie’s Canterbury pea operations this year will involve 185 growers and over 335 paddocks contracted. Growers are strategically located to ensure Wattie’s peas are snap frozen within two to four hours of harvest, which helps to lock in flavour and goodness.

Start of the green bean harvest
Mr Daniels says that as the peas finish, the job of harvesting green beans has started, and will run for a further two months.

ENDS