Frequently Asked Questions
We're sure you have questions, here's a list of some you might ask...

DOES NZ HOTHOUSE HAVE SUSTAINABILITY GOALS?

Yes.

Click here to learn about what we are currently doing, working on and our future goals:

See our sustainability goals!

ARE ANY OF OUR PRODUCTS GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM, GMO)?

No!

None of our tomatoes grown or marketed by NZ Hothouse Ltd originate from genetically modified (GM) seeds or plants.

DO WE IRRADIATE OUR TOMATOES?

No!

We do not irradiate any of the produce we grow. Irradiation is the exposure of produce to the radioactive material Cobalt 60, and this is a process used on Australian tomatoes to kill or sterilize insects. The long-term health issues associated with this process are unknown.

ARE WE ORGANIC?

No.

To be organic, it is a requirement to grow in the soil. We grow in mediums that include coco fibre and Rockwool.

HOW DO WE POLLINATE OUR CROPS IN THE GLASSHOUSE?

We introduced bumble bees to the glasshouse (approx 25,000 a year) to naturally pollinate our crops, as nature intended.

WHAT IS IPM?

IPM or integrated pest management is the introduction of predator (good bugs) insects to the crop that seek out and destroy (eat) the bad bugs, minimizing the use of harsh agrichemicals.

IS NZ HOTHOUSE PRODUCE SPRAY FREE?

We actively avoid harsh agrichemicals as they endanger our beneficial insects and our bumble bees. If we have to spray insect pests, we use soft sprays like plant soap, a coconut-based spray that sticks the insect's wings together so they can't fly. These sprays have a mechanical rather than physiological effect on pests and are entirely harmless to humans.

SHOULD YOU STORE TOMATOES IN THE REFRIGERATOR?

No.

Keep them stored in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration destroys the cells within the tomato, affecting the texture and making the fruit watery and flavourless.

WHERE ARE NZ HOTHOUSE TOMATOES SOLD?

NZ Hothouse tomatoes are available in all leading retail stores. In particular, look for NZ Hothouse, and Countdown branded fruit.

WHAT DOES VINE RIPENED MEAN?

NZ Hothouse tomatoes are all ripened on the vine, just as nature intended. Tomatoes ripened this way have superior texture, flavour and shelf life.

IS YOUR PACKAGING RECYCLABLE?

Yes.

Our RPET punnets are made from recycled materials and can be recycled in your household recycling bins. That means you can play a part in continuing the cycle of recycling and reducing waste by disposing of your punnets correctly.

For our bagged tomatoes and cucumber wrap, you can recycle them through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme at most major supermarkets and retailers. This helps to keep them out of landfills and gives them a new life as something else. If you want to learn more about the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme, head to https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/solutions/soft-plastics/.

DO YOU OFFER CARDBOARD PACKAGING?

Yes.

You can find an NZ Hothouse cardboard box of cherry tomatoes in your local Countdown stores. 

DOES NZ HOTHOUSE BURN COAL TO HEAT YOUR GLASSHOUSES?

No.

We use natural gas to keep our glasshouses warm. Burning natural gas has a by-product of clean CO2, which we feed to the crops. Only water vapour is released into the atmosphere. 

We pride ourselves on using predator insects and biological solutions rather than insecticides, to offer New Zealanders with fresh, clean, healthy produce.