Our History
The Julian Family — Growing Berries in Whakatāne Since 1975
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Our story begins in 1975, when Joan and David Julian purchased a 12-acre orchard on Shaw Road in Whakatāne, New Zealand. What started as a modest farm planted with grapefruit, boysenberries, and shelter trees has grown into one of the region’s most loved berry farms.
After experimenting with different crops — from gooseberries and kiwifruit to raspberries and blueberries — Joan and David found their sweet spot with boysenberries and strawberries. The first harvests were sold at the gate and through a small pick-your-own operation, which quickly became a local favourite.
In the early days, challenges like floods and crop changes only strengthened their determination. By working with other growers in the Bay of Plenty region, they helped establish the Bay Berry Co-Op, later known as Berryfruit Export NZ Ltd, ensuring that their berries could be enjoyed far beyond the farm gate.
Over the years, the Julians expanded their land, improved packing facilities, and continued to innovate — all while keeping their focus on family, quality, and community.
Backing Our Community, Shaping an Industry
Nearly 50 years later, we’re still here. Still family-run. Still on the same soil that started it all.
One of the brothers and his wife moved Julians Berry Farm up the road, continuing the shop sales and café, while the youngest brother, Craig, and his wife, Lani, moved into the homestead, raising the third generation on the land and growing their business, Berry Devine.
Berry Devine Today
Today, Berry Devine spans 11 hectares of boysenberries, including some of the original blocks planted by Joan and David.
The harvest season begins in late November and continues into the new year. It’s our busiest time, and we welcome over 300 local seasonal workers who help handpick around 140 tonnes of fruit. Most of this crop — approximately 130 tonnes — is sent straight from the field to the Wattie’s factory in Hawke’s Bay, where it’s canned and sent out to shelves across the country.
In total, we harvest about 200 tonnes of boysenberries annually. For the remaining fruit, we use two machine harvesters to carefully collect the rest of the crop, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
The rows of berries, heavy with fruit, tell the story of decades of care, patience, and family dedication. Early mornings are filled with the scent of rich soil and ripe berries, and long summer days see families working together to bring the harvest in.
Craig and Lani’s daughter, Ella, is now taking over the family business, carrying forward the knowledge, traditions, and love of the land that has defined Berry Devine for nearly 50 years. With her at the helm, the farm continues to grow, keeping the legacy of handpicked, flavourful boysenberries alive for generations to come.
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our story ❤️
— The Julian Family