Blueberry growers are expecting a 25 increase in sales after strong consumer awareness and a bumper crop, as investment in automation and varietal development drives industry forward
Blueberry growers are predicting a sharp increase in sales this year, with forecasts of 25 per cent growth by the end of 2025.
This year’s crop has benefited from exceptional growing conditions, with warm temperatures and high levels of sunshine leading to an early start for the season - around two weeks ahead of schedule.
“Growing awareness of British blueberries has also fuelled strong demand, with shoppers seeking them out in store,” said chairman of British Berry Growers, Nick Marston. “The year-round appetite for this power-packed berry is helping sales climb. We’re forecasting a 25 per cent increase in blueberry sales this year.”
The news comes as a further jump from last year’s 13 per cent sales increase, as the superfood-status berry continues to gain popularity.
”This blueberry season has seen a really positive early start, around two weeks ahead of schedule, thanks to strong light levels and an absence of rain,” said Daniel Martin, group commercial director at S&A Produce.
“As a result, we’re seeing excellent fruit size and nice, even ripening across the crop. In summary, we are optimistic about the season and expect to see excellent flavour and shelf life from this year’s crop”.
Given growing demand, varietal development has focused on higher yields and better resilience, with a view to allowing British growers to better compete with imports. Growers and suppliers are also investing in automated picking and other technology to reduce labour costs and improve efficiency.
Jim Floor, managing director at Hall Hunter, said: “We pick 90 per cent of our fruits by hand and 10 per cent are picked via machine harvesting, with a plan to increase machine harvesting on our blueberry crops next year to 30 per cent.
“When it comes to robotic fruit picking, we’re seeing steady and encouraging progress from robotics and automation companies. However, the technology isn’t quite ready for widespread commercial adoption just yet.
“For now, 90 per cent of our blueberries, and all our strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are proudly picked by hand by our amazing harvest team, whose skill and dedication remain at the heart of our success.”
