Bumper asparagus season on the horizon

Due to exceptional weather conditions in the past month, Kiwi growers are anticipating a bumper season.

With that, comes the increased likelihood of imperfect-looking asparagus that gets rejected by larger retailers.

Asparagus deemed “wonky” or “imperfect” include spears that are too thin, too fat, not perfectly straight or have slightly damaged tips – imperfections larger retailers like supermarkets will not accept.

Yet, these vegetables will find a good home with fruit and vegetable delivery service, Wonky Box which has a partnership with local growers.

This season, Wonky Box has teamed up with three asparagus growers from all corners of the country to ensure the freshest spears are delivered to Kiwi homes, all while cutting down on food miles and emissions – making sure fruit and vegetables go from farm to gate to plate within 48 hours.

Among those growers is Levin’s Tendertips.

With over 45 years’ experience, the family-run Tendertips has proven a key partner for Wonky Box since 2021.

Cam Lewis, Tendertips, says the grower and Wonky Box have a shared ethos or reducing waste and celebrating imperfections.

“We’ve been with Wonky Box since the beginning, and it’s been great watching [them] grow,” Lewis says. “The produce industry is a tough game to be in, but they’re breaking the mould while succeeding at it.”

Andrew Kearney from Boyd’s Asparagus, also a Wonky Box partner since 2021 says the partnership has proven instrumental in reducing waste.

“Before teaming up with Wonky Box, up to 20% of our asparagus would go to waste,” Kearney says.

“Since partnering with them, we’ve seen a significant reduction in food waste, saving over 30,000 kilos of asparagus that would’ve otherwise been fed to cows,” he says.

“Together, we’ve [been able to] deliver significant value for both us as growers and their customers,” says Kearney. “It’s a win-win situation that enhance profitability while contributing to a more sustainable food system.”

Joining in early 2024, LeaderBrand is a recent addition to Wonky Box’s grower network.

“Our asparagus might be wind-bent or ‘wonky,’ but the taste is as perfect as ever. Wonky Box has been an amazing partner in getting this produce to consumers who appreciate it,” says LeaderBrand.

Wonky Box co-founders Angus Simms and Katie Jackson say their partnerships with growers are at the heart of what makes Wonky Box unique. 

“Working with such passionate growers who share our values helps us help provide Kiwis with more affordable produce that is better for the planet.”