Carrots
Sofresh carrots are exclusively grown by A.S Wilcox & Sons Ltd. who have been growing carrots for local supply since 1997.
Our carrots are produced in four regions of New Zealand – Kaitaia, Pukekohe, Matamata and Ohakune all situated in the North Island. Each area has unique characteristics which combined with the geographical spread provides 12 months supply and security of crop supply to our customers.
Carrot varieties
Nantes
Today there are many varieties of carrots that are Nantes types. Generally the Nantes name has come to embody a class of medium-sized cylindrical carrots rounded at both the top and tip. In general, Nantes cultivars are known for being sweeter and tenderer than other carrots.
Kuroda
Typically a conical shape carrot with a larger diameter crown tapering to a finer pointed tip. This type of carrot is preferred in Japan and Sofresh grows these carrots on a contract basis for select Japanese packers and retailers.Carrot growing locations
Our carrots are produced in four regions of New Zealand – Kaitaia, Pukekohe, Matamata and Ohakune all situated in the North Island. Each area has unique characteristics which combined with the geographical spread provides 12 months supply and security of crop supply to our customers.
- Kaitaia
- Based in the far north of New Zealand, Kaitaia has wonderful sandy soils with loamy clay subsoils. This makes it perfect for growing our carrots as well as our salad potatoes. Warm temperatures and plentiful rainfall assist to make this region a great early maturing growing area to start our season.
- Pukekohe
- Our headquarters are based here. Famous as the foodbowl of New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, Pukekohe and the Franklin district is a region with rich volcanic soils and abundant rainfall. Pukekohe grows a range of vegetables from salad leaf, brassicas, its famous onion varieties and carrots.
- Matamata
- Nestled at the base of the beautiful Kaimai Ranges, the Matamata town is surrounded by rich, fertile land,free draining, sandy loam soil. This is a relatively new region for carrot cultivation offering clean, virgin soils and a perfect transitional summer timing between the spring harvested carrots of Pukekohe and the winter harvest of Ohakune.
- Ohakune
- Located at the base of the active volcano, Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand’s North Island, near the southern end of the Tongariro National Park, south of Lake Taupo. The rich volcanic soils around Ohakune are ideal for late summer/winter crops.
- In 1984 the ‘Big Carrot’ was erected at the entrance to the town to recognise the importance of market gardening to the area.
Carrot availability
Beta Bites
Main crop
Follow the progress
New Zealand's location in the southern hemisphere means the carrot growing season, October to February, is the opposite of the northern hemisphere.
Planting
Carrot seeds are planted every southern hemisphere spring over the months of October, November and December.
Growing
Carrots typically grow for 120 days through the spring and summer
Harvesting
Export crops are top pulled by our specially designed carrot harvesting machines. Harvesting starts from late summer and continues through the winter.
Packing
Following harvest, carrots are washed, brushed, graded and sized in Pukekohe at our dedicated carrot pack house. During packing the carrots are hydro cooled which reduces the core temperature to maintain freshness and quality during storage.
Shipping
Shipping schedules are planned as the season progresses to ensure freshness and speed of delivery to international markets.