-OUR STORY-
Our approach to growing is front-to-back. We believe that what we grow on our farms should be determined by what you want on your fork.
Family matters
Over 20 years ago, Southern Fresh Foods was established in the heart of the Waikato by the Dunn family, who still own and operate it today. Southern Fresh has gone from its humble beginnings to become one of New Zealand’s leading growers and processors of high-quality, specialty baby vegetables, gourmet salads, and fresh herbs.
Our commitment
Southern Fresh was built on the core values of being supportive, being kind, and treating everyone like a member of the family – something that is felt by the entire Southern Fresh team. It’s the excellent teamwork and commitment to continuous improvement that has kept Southern Fresh going from strength to strength.
A legacy of innovation
For decades at Southern Fresh, we’ve innovated the way we do things – something we’ve become famous for. Our heritage of growing the finest produce combined with our mission to embrace modern technology has enabled us to revolutionize the New Zealand produce industry. We have built New Zealand’s first automated hydroponic system and grow the only Trio lettuce in our country. Our extensive experience and passion for innovation means our story has many, many more chapters still to write.
Feeding New Zealanders
We pride ourselves on offering a superior product to the New Zealand food industry, partnering with local chefs and foodservice providers to bring the best produce available to the market. Quality, freshness, and flavour are our vital ingredients, and we continually push the boundaries in search of food innovation – from constructing a 20,000m2 indoor farm to grow crops year-round to creating a premium retail range for all New Zealanders
Timeline
The Dunn family launch Southern Fresh Foods.
2000
Southern Fresh begins growing baby vegetables and exporting them to the UK.
2001
The first building in Cambridge is built to process and pack produce.
2001
Southern Fresh begins providing the NZ food service market with baby vegetables.
2003
Southern Fresh launches into growing salads, the first being a wild rocket blend.
2005
The Delmark trade brand was born.
2007
Southern Fresh ventures into growing fresh herbs, with Basil being the first to market.
2009
Due to an increase in demand, Southern Fresh goes from cropping 80 acres to 350 acres.
2012
Southern Fresh builds a new factory to increase production capacity.
2015
The Hunt Farm salad and vegetable retail brand is launched.
2016
After 12 years of spin-drying salads, Southern Fresh install a state-of-the-art washing and drying line, increasing production volumes by 80%
2017
Construction of a 20,000m2 indoor farm commences providing a consistent supply of product year-round.
2019
Southern Fresh begins growing a range of herbs, whole-head lettuce, and Asian vegetables in an automated hydroponic system.
2020
The Unleash Your Inner Gourmet brand is launched featuring herbs, baby vegetables, and whole-head lettuce.
2020
We begin growing baby broccoli for both the retail and foodservice markets.
2021Then & Now
