Drone technology, AI-enabled optical grading and precision agriculture are allowing UK growers to deliver higher-quality fruit as sales continue to climb
British blueberries growers are using cutting-edge technology to produce larger, sweeter fruit as consumer demand continues to climb.
Sales of British blueberries have enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season with sales currently running 29 per cent ahead of the same period last year, according to British Berry Growers.
The berry’s strong sales performance was also reflected in the FPJ Big 50 Products 2026, with blueberries breaking into the top five for the first time after recording year-on-year growth of 13.3 per cent in volume and 12.7 per cent in value.
Growers say investment in technology has helped make blueberries one of the UK’s most technologically advanced crops. Innovations including AI-powered optical grading, drone technology, precision growing techniques, and the use of polytunnels are helping producers consistently deliver the large, sweeter berries consumers increasingly expect.
Optimal grading systems photograph each individual berry multiple times in a fraction of a second, using AI to check for colour, size, shape and quality before fruit is packed.
Meanwhile, drones are being used to apply a protective whitewash coating to polytunnels, helping reduce temperatures during periods of hot weather and protect fruit quality.
Nick Marston, chair of British Berry Growers, said consumer expectations continue to drive investment across the sector.
“We’re seeing real premiumisation in the category, with shoppers wanting bigger fruit and a better taste experience, and growers are rising to that challenge by investing in higher-yielding varieties that deliver on flavour as well as volume.
“Demand for British blueberries continues to grow, with sales having risen 73 per cent compared to this time last year (week 27). This means a total year-on-year increase of 27 per cent, with the tonnage of UK-grown blueberries rising by 40 per cent over the last five years.”
WB Chambers, one of the UK’s leading blueberry growers, now grows 100 per cent of its blueberry crop in polytunnels.
George Beedell, head of business development, said: “Technology plays a huge role in helping us grow the very best of British blueberries. Polytunnels allow us to carefully manage the growing environment, protecting the crop from colder weather in spring so we can start the British season earlier, while also extending it later into the year.
“Innovations like these help ensure shoppers can enjoy consistently sweet, high-quality British blueberries throughout the season.”
Generally favourable weather conditions have also benefitted British blueberry growers this season. Multiple heatwaves have followed cooler spring temperatures, meaning shoppers can expect a particularly sweet, flavoursome and high-quality crop, the trade body said.
“Everything is coming together for a great British blueberry season,” Beedell said. “We’ve had a slow, steady spring, with cool nights and warmer days through May, which is exactly the kind of weather that builds sugar and flavour in the fruit and we’re expecting excellent size and a lovely quality this year.”
Nick Marston, chair of British Berry Growers, said consumer expectations continue to drive investment across the sector.
“We’re seeing real premiumisation in the category, with shoppers wanting bigger fruit and a better taste experience, and growers are rising to that challenge by investing in higher yielding varieties that deliver on flavour as well as volume.
“Demand for British blueberries continues to grow, with sales having risen 73 per cent compared to this time last year (week 27). This means a total year-on-year increase of 27 per cent, with the tonnage of UK-grown blueberries rising by 40 per cent over the last five years.”
