Exceptional growing conditions have brought the British raspberry crop on by almost two weeks with significantly high fruit size and yields
Exceptional growing conditions have led to British raspberries arriving in stores almost two weeks earlier and growers forecasting “the best season in years”.
A warm, dry spring with occasional rainfall has also helped boost flavour and size profile of new season fruit, with berries weighing up to nine grams.
“This is shaping up to be one of the best raspberry seasons we’ve had in years,” said Jim Floor, managing director at berry supplier Hall Hunter. “We’re seeing consistently large berries with incredible flavour, and the early start means British shoppers can enjoy them sooner than usual.”
Alix Stewart, an agronomist at Scottish cooperative Angus Growers, said early indicators suggest very strong yields.
“The combination of warm days and cool nights has given the berries the ideal conditions to thrive,” she said.
It comes after growers reported a strong strawberry crop, thanks to high sunshine levels and bee pollination activity during March and April.
Nick Marston, chairman of trade body British Berry Growers, said: ”British berry growers work incredibly hard to ensure quality and consistency across their crop, and it is clear the weather has also lent them a helping hand this year.
“With the season starting early and the fruit quality looking outstanding, we’re expecting strong demand for British raspberries throughout the summer.”
The season will be supported as usual by British Berry Growers and its year-round Love Fresh Berries campaign, kicking off with invites to consumer media to film at berry farms and meet growers across the UK.
