McArthur's Berry Farm owner Steve McArthur, of Outram, said it had been the worst raspberry harvest before Christmas in the 47 years the family had owned the farm.
He urged shoppers to limit the amount of fresh berries they bought for Christmas.
''As long as everyone gets something to put on the pavlova .... I'd rather everyone gets a taste.''
The raspberry shortage was due to ''cool southwesterly winds and cold nights'' stalling the ripening process.
The amount of sunshine in Dunedin this week would dictate the amount of raspberries available at the Otago Farmers' Market on Saturday.
He expected a ''mad panic'' at the market as people tried to secure berries.
The market gates would open at 6.30am and security guards would stop shoppers trying to enter early.
The strawberry harvest was limited because Christmas fell between harvest periods.
''We'll have a few strawberries but it's first in, first served.''
Wanaka Berry Farm and Bed and Breakfast co-owner Simon Jackson said he expected to be picking raspberries ''well and truly by now'' but the start had been delayed by cold weather.
''There's lots of raspberries here. They're just not ripe.''
He had taken Christmas orders but had called everyone back and told them their order could not be met.
''People are frustrated because everyone likes raspberries at Christmas.''
He had tried to source raspberries from Dunedin, Ashburton and Christchurch but every request had been declined, as growers struggled to produce enough to meet the demands from their own area.
Consequently, some farms were selling raspberries for $50 a kg, nearly three times the normal price, to try to cool demand.
''It's crazy expensive.''
A 150g pottle of fresh Te Awamutu raspberries was on sale at New World Centre City in Dunedin for $9.99 yesterday.
Butler's Berry Farm co-owner Donald Butler, of Makikihi, said he expected to be selling raspberries and strawberries at the Otago Farmer's Market on Saturday.
He failed to make the Christmas market last year because rain prevented berries being picked.
The strawberry supply this year was ''limited'' because Christmas fell in a ''lull'' between harvests.
The demand for strawberries ''at the gate'' was high resulting in fewer strawberries on offer at the market.
However, the raspberry supply was ''coming on reasonably well''.
''Every day it's improving ... They are looking just marvellous.
''They enjoyed the showers we got in October and November and they are coming on in the heat.''
He had 20 staff picking raspberries yesterday.
