TGFC Producer Spotlight

Introducing Mamaku Blue

Harry and Anne planted their first blueberry blocks in 1982 near the Mamaku Plateau. During the 1980s, they were one of nearly 18 fruit growers in the Rotorua area. These days, they are the only ones left and the farm’s now home to son Phillip, his wife, Michaela, and their three children. Michaela shares more about the family making this naturally sweet, 100% Blueberry Juice with no added sugar or additives. 

TGFC/ How did you get started?
Michaela/ Harry and Anne planted their first blueberry blocks in 1982. For the next 15 years, they trialed a variety of plantings redcurrants, blackcurrants, gooseberries 30 different varieties of blueberries. 

Gooseberries were extremely interesting as were the Elliot variety of blueberries. They developed the gooseberry plantation on one-sixth of a hectare and removed all the unsuccessful plantings. Through the eighties and nineties, the farm grew steadily, and with perseverance and a real passion to produce quality blueberries, it has continued to thrive.

The farm is now also home to Phillip, Harry and Anne's son and my husband, our three children and me. A black cat called Blackie, ensures the smooth running of day-to-day matters! Blueberry farming has become a family enterprise, a great place to work and live. It is a passion that drives the family to continuously strive for more innovative ways to farm, keeping sustainability at the forefront of everything they do and produce.

TGFC/ What makes Mamaku Blue special?
Michaela/ We are based in Bay of Plenty, near Rotorua, Mamaku Plateau. Our fruits are pure and full of wonders because they are fed by our volcanic soil's rich minerals. Our berries are caressed by the winds, ripened by the sunshine, protected by the bush, and kissed by the bees surrounding them.

TGFC/ Do you have a favourite product?
Michaela/ Our PURE range, starting with our PURE 100% blueberry juice where we were always amazed by our customer's reviews, and continuing with our PURE blueberry powder and freeze-dried products.

TGFC/ What is the product people seem to love?
Michaela/ Our PURE 100% blueberry juice is our bestselling product. It offers a delicious, healthy and convenient experience for out of season vitamin and nutrition intake. And even when fresh berries are around, it is just refreshing juice to have! It contains our top harvested blueberries grown in volcanic ash, 600 meters above sea level.

Good news for our members

TGFC Good Reward members will earn double points when they purchase a Mamaku Blue product between now and 30 September. As a TGFC Good Rewards member, you earn points every time you shop. When you reach 100 points, you get a $15 TGFC Good Rewards e-voucher that you can redeem at any time – and you earn 75 points just by referring a friend. If you’re not a member, find out how to join now!

The Good Food Collective Spotlight on...

• Meet Mare from Flour & Dough
• Meet Cameron from Avohaven
• Meet Laura from Plant Basics
• Meet Janice and Pete from Peat Cider
• Meet Aaron from Tahu Gin
• Meet Marcus from Alice Hard Brewed Tea
• Meet Alice from 3sixty2 wines
• Meet Brenton from Besaha
• Our 2022 Artisan Award Winners
• Recipes from our artisans
• The Good Food Collective Giftboxes
• Meet David from Provenance Lamb