The UK is growing increasing quantities of glasshouse Elsanta every year

The UK is growing increasing quantities of glasshouse Elsanta every year

English glasshouse Elsanta strawberries are expected to come on stream in the next two weeks, some seven to 10 days later than last season.

The reason for the delay according to specialist berry supplier Redbridge AFI is the August heatwave. "Plantings were delayed because it was just too hot," said the company's Ian Waller. "The situation is similar in the Netherlands and Belgium."

As a result, the supply situation for high quality strawberries is therefore tightening on the marketplace in the UK and where fruit is available, it is in demand and commanding high prices.

Elsanta from English glasshouses is expected to be available in volume from mid-October until late November tailing off into early December. This will be supplemented in the UK with supplies from the Netherlands and a little Belgian fruit, reported Waller. "We also have some interesting new varieties trialing under glass, but they will not be available in commercial quantities this season," he said.