British berry sales at UK supermarkets this season have jumped to more than £282 million, up 10.9 per cent on last year, according to industry body British Summer Fruits (BSF).
The sector continued to grow despite a disrupted season due to an early spring and heavy rainfall during the summer months.
The use of polytunnels, which protect 90 per cent of the soft fruit sold through UK supermarkets, saved growers from suffering the same levels of devastation suffered in other sectors.
A total of 59,000 tonnes of UK-grown soft fruit were shifted this season.
Blackberries make up the fastest-growing sub-category, with sales soaring by 44 per cent this year, reaching a value of £6m, and volumes hitting 771t.
The surge in popularity has been put down to the ready availability of sweeter ‘dessert’ varieties, as well as increased consumer awareness about the health benefits of the fruit.
Strawberries maintained a steady growth of 12 per cent, with sales of £216m, and volumes reaching 52,000t.
Raspberries showed an increase of seven per cent, with sales of £60m, and volumes up to 6,200t.
BSF chairman Laurence Olins said: “It has been a very challenging season with record rainfall coupled with months of grey skies, which dampened demand levels. Thankfully, polytunnels saved the harvest and the future of both the industry and our growers. Considering the very wet weather we endured, the sales figures are impressive.
“Some of the worst flooding in recent history made it very hard for growers - most of whom are family businesses - to satisfy the ever-increasing consumer demand and maintain positive financial results for their businesses. This year has truly been a success against difficult conditions.”
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