With the rain kindly keeping its distance, the sizzle of bacon and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee welcomed a cheerful crowd to a very special fifth Pink Ribbon Breakfast hosted by incredible edibles and friends on May 18.

Held at 76 Lockington Road, Katikati from 9am – 11.30am, the event included a delicious breakfast while enjoying a tour of a thriving edible garden — all in support of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Breakfast-goers were treated to a choice of delicious bacon and egg sandwiches, or fluffy pancakes topped with fruit. The sweet table was a hit too—muffins, slices, and cakes satisfied every sweet tooth, including gluten-free options.

“Sold out in advance, the event still managed to welcome a few lucky walk-ins who couldn’t resist the smell of breakfast and the buzz of good vibes,” said incredible edibles co-founder Fiona Boylan.

All the helpers who brewed coffee, fried bacon and eggs, conducted garden tours and helped out on the day at incredible edibles. Photo / Supplied

Over the last 30 years, Fiona and husband Andrew Boylan have grown what was originally a glimmer of an idea into what is now the largest specialist edible nursery in New Zealand, supplying around 400,000 plants to more than 280 retailers annually. They have also introduced more than 20 new varieties of blueberries, feijoa, raspberry and tamarillo, developed specifically for New Zealand.

With help from friends, Boylan first hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at incredible edibles in 2016, with three more fundraising breakfasts being held in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

Kaye Robinson ordering a coffee to set her up for the busy morning. Photo / Supplied

With nearly $5,000 raised in 2021, the team was aiming to match — or even surpass — that goal this year.

Thanks to overwhelming community support, they soared past the 2021 total, raising $6,000 for the foundation.

“A heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved,” said Boylan.

A group exploring the edible gardens and tasting new and unusual fruits. Photo / Supplied

Boylan said guided garden tours alongside the breakfast offered a peaceful stroll through lush edible landscapes, with tales of unusual fruit varieties and plant wisdom shared along the way.

Participants were able to enjoy wonders of nature, from fragrant feijoas and luscious persimmons to creamy casimiroas and vitamin C-rich guavas — all while learning fascinating facts and stories behind the plants.

“For green thumbs inspired by the surroundings, there were incredible edibles plants for sale, making it easy to take home a little piece of magic and start your own edible garden, Boylan said.

Dianne Garmonsway and Heather Catley standing in front of incredible edible plants that were for sale on the day. Photo / Supplied

She said the day wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of many local businesses and sponsors.

“Their contributions helped bring it all to life - Baffi di Gatti Olive Oil, BeeNZ, Common Ground, Curiosity Gin, Dreamers Beauty Clinic, Finer Wines, Four Square Katikati, Fragrance of Flowers, Giles & Associates, Halo Hair, incredible edibles, Kaimai Eggs, Katikati College and students, Katikati Meat Masters, King Seeds, Kiwicoast Honey, Koru Olives, Prancing Rose Coffee & Drinks, Quarry Grove Olives, SBS Wealth, Trish Clarke Design, Western Orchards, Woolworths — thank you all.”

Boylan said raffles added extra excitement, with generous hampers and baskets filled with donations by local businesses.

“Congratulations to the lucky winners.”

The raffle winners were Krissi Mills – Bubbles & Olive Oil Basket; Fiona Boylan – Candle & Olive Oil Basket; Sharon Pickering – SBS Wealth & Gin Basket and Hair Product Basket; Jean Fraser – Cheese, Honey & Olive Oil Basket; Harriet Preddey – Lucia Design Basket; Yvonne McLeod – Wooden Box Goodies; and Lois Shaw – Olive Oil & Bubbles.

The raffle prizes with sponsors displayed on wall. Photo / Supplied

Boylan said funds raised will support the Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission, with 75 per cent going to research, education, and support, 10 per cent to fundraising efforts, and 15 per cent to administration.

“Every dollar counts.”

If you missed out but would still like to support this worthy cause, donations can be made online via the team’s fundraising page:

https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraisers/incredibleedibles/pinkribbonbreakfast

“It’s never too late to make a difference. Thank you to everyone who made this event such a memorable and meaningful success,” said Boylan.