Waitrose reports earlier fruit harvest in response to hot, dry conditions
Classic autumn fruits have been selling in unusually high volumes this summer, according to Waitrose.
The supermarket noted that compared to this time last year, sales of its own-brand Bramley apples are up 23 per cent, with blackberries up 56 per cent and Conference pears up 21 per cent.
It comes against the backdrop of one of the warmest summers since 1884, with the hot months and lack of rainfall bringing autumn crops to maturity sooner than usual.
“We’re anticipating an earlier harvest – approximately 7-10 days ahead of average – due to the long, hot summer,” said Colin Pratt, fruit farm manager at Leckford Farm. “We also expect this to be a higher ‘Brix’ year – the measurement used to establish how much sugar is in fruits, indicating a healthier and more nutrient-dense crop.”
Apple buyer Jessica Street added: “We’ve got an early start to the apple season this year, all thanks to ideal spring conditions and a warm temperature throughout the growing season accelerating the ripening process for many fruits, like apples.
“The good news is, there’s absolutely no compromise on quality or taste, so you can expect to see British apples proving very popular late August and early September.”
Waitrose also noted that the annual arable harvest has taken place two weeks earlier, and said farmers are mitigating some of the worst effects of the dry, hot growing season with farming practices that increase the organic matter in the soil to produce resilient, high-quality produce in such conditions.
