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Forest Lodge Orchard
Zero fossil fuels, 100% electric, delicious big red cherries, from beautiful Central Otago.
Join us on the journey. Adopt your family a cherry tree.
The Famous Electric Cherries
We're an orchard with a big vision about the future of growing food. We're growing cherries while being kind to the planet.
Electric Cherries as featured on
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We’re growing the world’s first 100% Electric food.
Zero fossil fuels used in the growing of our cherries saving up to 60T of carbon every harvest.
Huge export grade cherries, grown for maximum flavour
Not just great for the planet, we pride ourselves on our huge export grade cherries and their incredible flavour.
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Two families, Changing the way New Zealand grows food.
Read our Story
Visitors to Forest Lodge Orchard
Farm Tours
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Corporate tours
School group educational tours
Come and see the future of farming in action, we pride ourselves on giving open and honest tours, where no question is off the table.
We're not here to preach, we've put our money where are mouth is and we want to show you what we've achieved.
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All Electric Machines
Not your typical cherries. When you choose electric cherries you're supporting a vision for a better future. Grown right here at Forest Lodge, the world's first 100% electric, zero fossil fuel orchard. Our cherries run on renewable energy sweet, and sustainable. We pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of Central Otago harvest, bringing an exciting taste of the future to every box of cherries.
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Hyundai Country Calendar
We were lucky enough to have our orchard featured on an episode of country calendar. A kiwi TV classic, Hyundia Country Calendar's mission is to shine a light on the best of New Zealand farming.
We got to talk electric cherries, growing cherries in Cromwell and the UFO style growing.
Our Brand Partners
We believe in the power of collaboration. That’s why we’ve partnered with leading brands in the industry who join in our visions for the future of farming in New Zealand. Our brand partners share our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the future of farming.
We're so grateful for all the support and trust that our partners put in us as we tread new ground in the farming world.
Our trees love a hair cut
Pruning is essential for the health and productivity of cherry trees. During the dormant season, typically in late winter, our UFO trees are carefully trimmed to remove dead or diseased branches and keep them growing upright. This process ensures better sunlight penetration and air circulation, promoting vigorous growth and larger, sweeter cherries.
From Planting to Harvest
Effective pollination is vital for fruit set, and we’ve partnered with Taylor Pass Honey NZ for this next stage. 20 of their bee hives are strategically placed around the orchard when the cherry blossoms reach about 10% bloom. These bees play a crucial role in transferring pollen between flowers, creating healthy biodiversity in the orchard and fertilising our cherries.
The first green cherries apear
As spring approaches, cherry buds begin to swell and develop. These buds are the starter to blossoms, which will later transform into fruit. Monitoring bud development is crucial for timing the next steps in orchard management, ensuring that the trees receive the right nutrients and care.
Picking the tasty cherries
Harvesting is done meticulously by hand, ensuring that each cherry is picked at its peak ripeness. The hand-picking process helps prevent damage to the fruit and allows for the selection of only the best quality cherries.
Getting the cherries ready to be sent
Once harvested, cherries are quickly transported to the packhouse where they are sorted and packed to maintain freshness. The cherries are then sorted into size, colour, and quality- ensuring that only the best cherries make it to the market.
