From Refugee to Rural Innovator: The Story Behind ViBERi

At ViBERi, every berry tells a story — but behind our business is an even deeper story of resilience, vision, and purpose.

This month, ViBERi co-founder Afsaneh Howey was featured in New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, sharing her remarkable journey from fleeing Iran as a young refugee to building a life, family, and thriving organic farming business in New Zealand. 

The interview came just as ViBERi appeared on TVNZ’s iconic Hyundai Country Calendar, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at our organic blackcurrant operation in South Canterbury and the people who make it all happen. 

Together, these two stories reveal something important: ViBERi was never just about growing blackcurrants. It has always been about building something meaningful — grounded in health, sustainability, community, and gratitude for the opportunities New Zealand has provided.

A Journey That Started Half a World Away

More than 40 years ago, Afsaneh arrived in New Zealand through the United Nations refugee programme after political upheaval in Iran made it impossible for her to return home. In her Woman’s Weekly interview, she reflects on the uncertainty of leaving her homeland behind, and the deep appreciation she developed for the safety, kindness, and opportunities she found in Aotearoa. 

Not long after arriving, she met South Canterbury farmer Tony Howey. Together, they built a life centred on hard work, family, and a shared belief in creating something positive for future generations.

That journey eventually led to ViBERi.

Building ViBERi with Purpose

What began as a farming venture evolved into a mission-driven business focused on producing premium organic blackcurrants and sharing their health benefits with the world.

As featured on Country Calendar, Tony and Afsaneh transformed their farming operation from traditional grain and vegetable production into one of New Zealand’s leading organic blackcurrant businesses. 

Over the years, ViBERi has grown from a small orchard into an internationally recognised brand, producing frozen berries, powders, freeze-dried products, and more , all while staying true to the values that inspired the business from the beginning:

• Commitment to organic farming

• Respect for the land

• Innovation through science and nutrition

• Creating products that genuinely improve wellbeing

• Supporting community and connection

For Afsaneh, those values are deeply personal.

In her interview, she speaks passionately about helping refugee families settle into life in New Zealand, teaching English to children, and encouraging young people to make the most of the opportunities available to them. 

That same spirit of contribution and care continues to shape ViBERi today.

Sharing Our Story with New Zealand

Being featured on Country Calendar was a proud milestone for our team. The programme highlighted not only the scale of our harvest and the science behind blackcurrants, but also the people, dedication, and values behind the business. 

For viewers, it was a chance to see the early mornings, the harvest pressure, the innovation, and the passion that go into producing every ViBERi product.

But alongside the farming story is the human story — one of perseverance, adaptation, and gratitude.

Afsaneh’s Woman’s Weekly feature reminds us that businesses are built by people, shaped by experiences, and strengthened by community.

Looking Ahead

As ViBERi continues to grow, we remain committed to the principles that started this journey:

Growing world-class organic blackcurrants in New Zealand while creating products that support health, sustainability, and connection.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way — our customers, growers, partners, staff, and community.

And we’re especially proud to see Afsaneh’s story recognised nationally, not only as part of ViBERi’s journey, but as a powerful reminder of what can grow when resilience meets opportunity.

You can read Afsaneh’s full interview with New Zealand Woman’s Weekly here:
Read the interview

And if you missed our Country Calendar episode, you can learn more here:
ViBERi on Country Calendar