Norwegian strawberries are defying seasonal expectations. One farm in Jæren plans to grow them throughout winter.
Production manager Frode Ringsevjen confirmed they currently harvest 500 baskets weekly. "It's low production but a good start," he stated.
The berries sell through online grocer Oda. Norway's largest grocery conglomerate remains hesitant about winter strawberries.
Communications director Kine Søyland explained their position. "We've tried Norwegian winter strawberries before. The period between November and April is too dark and cold. The berries require excessive energy and quality suffers."
Wiig Gartneri's production manager remains optimistic. Their strawberries grow in large greenhouses with specialized lighting.
"Theoretically it should work perfectly. We can produce as much in winter as summer with proper lighting. We already grow tomatoes and cucumbers year-round," Ringsevjen noted.
He emphasized that consumer willingness to pay determines viability. "It comes down to what people will pay, especially since planting and picking costs are high and done manually."
Oda's commercial director Robert Ekrem reported their first shipment sold out within hours. Current pricing sits at 239.60 NOK per kilogram. During peak season in May, Norwegian strawberries cost 330 NOK per kilogram at some stores.
Farmer Geir Joa from Sola supports the year-round initiative but won't participate personally. "Time will tell if there's a market for year-round production. Norwegians eat more strawberries per capita than anyone from May to September, so I believe the market exists."
Kåre Nordbø, another strawberry farmer, produces 9-10 tons each summer. They begin planting in late January with first harvests around May 1st.
"We would consider year-round production but haven't decided yet due to generational transition," Nordbø explained.
He supports maintaining some production year-round. "Strawberries are fresh goods and shouldn't travel far before reaching stores."
Norway's grocery sector sold approximately 2,400 tons of domestic strawberries this season. New production techniques extending the season combined with new varieties and close producer cooperation drove this success.
Another major grocery chain confirmed strong Norwegian strawberry sales this season. "We already look forward to next season. We offer strawberries most of the year but not Norwegian ones year-round," their communications lead stated.
This winter strawberry experiment tests whether Norwegian consumers will pay premium prices for local berries during traditionally import-dependent months. The success depends entirely on market demand outweighing high production costs.