Britain's berry craze shows no signs of slowing down according to Asda sales data for 2018, with blueberries and raspberries surging into its top ten fresh products.
Blueberries enjoyed a 53 per cent sales increase last year in Asda stores, while raspberries jumped eight places up to sixth most purchased fruit or veg from the retailer.
Other British-grown fruit and veg in the top ten include cucumbers (5th), gala apples (8th) and peppers (10th), while Bananas remain in top spot.
Red grapes also had a stellar year, rising seven places to second, overtaking strawberries in third place. The ascent of grapes and berries reveals Britain's growing sweet tooth, knocking old favourites broccoli and tomatoes out of Asda’s top ten.
Ian Harrison, Asda’s produce technical director, said: “2018 was a renaissance year for berries, which were graced with an incredible growing season thanks to the weather and our British growers making the most of the sunshine to produce quality, sweet fruit.
“As our love for berries continues to grow, we’re working with our growers to develop new varieties that match changing tastes and diets as we vary our produce repertoire.”
While blueberries are already flying off shelves, Asda predicts other blue produce including plums, blackcurrants, blackberries purple carrots and elderberries will become more popular as the nation turn to the hue thanks to its nutritional benefits and growing trend for blue and purple products in the home, fashion and beauty.
The retailer also claims 2019 will see hybrid produce become more popular, with the likes of pluots eaten more frequently. A cross between popular stone fruits, the pluot has the sweetness of a plum, mixed with the juiciness of apricot.
Harrison added: “When it comes to fruit, we’re a nation where the sweeter, the better. We’re investigating a number of delicious new varieties on grapes, stone fruit and berries to deliver the perfect fruit for Brits, who are falling in love with fruit with a bang of sweet flavour.”
