At Reid Produce Co., we take pride in sourcing and processing only the finest kabocha varieties to meet the unique demands of our customers. Favoured varieties such as Ebisu and Ajihei are grown locally in Hawke’s Bay, a region renowned for its fertile soil and ideal growing conditions. We work closely with our network of local growers to ensure that every kabocha meets our high standards for quality.
Our advanced processing facilities offer a range of preparation methods tailored to customer needs. Whether you require pureed or randomly diced kabocha, our state-of-the-art freezing techniques ensure the product maintains its rich flavour and nutritional value from processing through to delivery.
With its established decades-long relationships with local growers and producers, together with its state-of-the-art food processing and freezing capabilities in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, Reid Produce Co. is perfectly placed to act as your premium processed kabocha supplier in New Zealand.
Kabocha, often referred to as Japanese pumpkin, is a type of winter that is particularly popular in Japan and other parts of Asia. It has a sweet, nutty flavour and a dense, creamy texture, which makes it a versatile ingredient in both savoury and sweet dishes. The flesh is vibrant orange, and the skin is typically a deep green, though some varieties may have orange or grey skin.
Kabocha is known by several other names, depending on the region and language:
Kabocha is a key ingredient in many Japanese dishes, such as tempura, soups, and stews, and is also gaining popularity worldwide due to its rich flavour and high nutritional value.
New Zealand kabocha is highly regarded for its sweetness and smooth texture, which often rivals or exceeds that of locally grown varieties in Japan. The unique growing conditions in New Zealand, combined with expert cultivation practices, result in a Kabocha that is rich in flavour and consistent in quality, making it a preferred choice for premium food products.
New Zealand’s kabocha is known for its premium quality, adhering to stringent agricultural practices and rigorous quality control measures. The is cultivated under ideal conditions, with close attention to soil health, pest control, and optimal harvest timing. Only the finest produce is selected for export, meeting international quality standards for size, colour, and taste. The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) ensures compliance with these high standards, ensuring that the kabocha meets global food safety and quality regulations
Kabocha processing in New Zealand is conducted under stringent conditions to meet Japanese food safety regulations. This includes thorough cleaning, peeling, and cutting, all performed in certified facilities. These facilities operate under internationally recognised standards like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
Reid Produce Co. offers custom processing options to meet specific requirements, ensuring that Asian food manufacturers have access to versatile, high-quality ingredients from New Zealand. We offer diced-to-size required or pureed kabocha, which can be block frozen and exported in a range of packaging options. We are always looking to expand our range of product offerings. Contact us to see if we can meet your bespoke kabocha product requirements.
