The British cherry season has officially kicked off with growers predicting volumes will be up 22 per cent on last year following new plantings in Hereford, Shropshire and Scotland.
Volumes are expected to reach 5,500 tonnes, which is 1,733 per cent up on production volumes of six years ago, according to trade body British Cherries.
Cherry blossom was delayed by two weeks due to heavy rain during June, which meant fruit developed more slowly leading to higher sweetness.
The category was valued at £126 million at the end of last year and is seeing “steady growth” of 15 per cent year-on-year. Almost half (49 per cent) of cherries were purchased during the summer months of July and August, when British cherries are in peak season.
“British cherries have seen a revival in fortunes and is fast establishing itself as one of the nation’s favourite summer treat,” said a British Cherries’ spokesperson. “People have caught on to their sweet flavour and strong health benefits, making them an ideal, indulgent treat to bake with or to snack on fresh from the punnet.”
Consumers are becoming more aware of the health benefits of the product, the trade body added, which include antioxidants from dark skin and vitamins from the fleshy centre.
On production, British growers are developing sweeter varieties onto the market and improving storage techniques, in response to rising consumer demand.
No comments yet