UK cherry sales have risen in both volume and value over the past year, with producers optimistic about the category’s future
Cherries were among the strongest performers in this year’s FPJ Big 50 Products, jumping two places to 24th. Value rose by 14.7 per cent and volume by 8.6 per cent, according to the latest Kantar figures.
James Miller, managing director at Mansfields, part of the greosn group, said growth was being driven by demand for premium, British-grown fruit and increasing recognition of its quality.
British cherries have also become a seasonal event, with retailers promoting their provenance, freshness and flavour.
“With further investment underway and developments in the pipeline, we see significant opportunities to increase production, extend the British season and grow the category,” said Miller.
Matt Jarrett, group CEO of greosn, said investment in advanced growing systems, protected production and new genetics was delivering significant improvements in quality and consistency.
The group is already seeing better quality and stronger results year on year. Norton Cherries, part of Mansfields and the wider greosn group, has received numerous awards this year and named Best Cherry Orchard and Best Overall Orchard for Stone Fruit by the East Kent Fruit Society.
“This recognition shows the value of investing in orchard management, innovation and genetics to improve fruit quality and grower performance,” said Jarrett.
The judges praised the orchard’s presentation and high standards of management. Farm manager Milush Petrov and his team were central to the achievement, with their expertise and attention to detail helping supply consistently high-quality fruit to retailers.
The awards reinforce the groups reputation as a leading producer in one of the UK’s key fruit-growing regions. And while rising labour, transport and production costs remain challenging, consumer demand for cherries has so far proved resilient.
“The industry’s biggest challenges remain weather volatility and rising production costs,” said Miller. “Cherries are a highly skilled crop to grow, requiring significant investment and expertise, while securing a reliable seasonal workforce also remains critical. However, through collaboration across the industry and ongoing investment in innovation, we are working to overcome these challenges and realise the full potential of British cherries in the years ahead.”
