UK blackcurrant growers have reported one of the best seasons in recent years.
The British Blackcurrant Foundation said frequent rainfall and short bursts of sunshine throughout June and July swelled the fruit and boosted sweetness.
The 2007 harvest began for most farmers around July 16, slightly later than in 2006, and picking was initially hampered by weather conditions in some areas.
But high brix levels were reported across the UK.
The total UK harvest this year was similar to last year, at 13,000 tonnes.
UK demand has increased following an increase in awareness about blackcurrants as a superfruit.
The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) tested blackcurrants against other fruit including blueberries, raspberries and bananas earlier this year, and found that they came out on top for their disease-fighting components and health benefits.
More recent health claims that the high level of anthocyanins found in blackcurrants could help combat Alzheimer’s disease, as well as cystitis and other urinary tract infections, fuelled interest among UK consumers.
The British Blackcurrant Foundation received more than 5,000 enquiries from consumers keen to find out where blackcurrants were available in their area.
Jo Hilditch, chairman of the Blackcurrant Foundation, said: “Our main focus for next year is to encourage major retailers to stock fresh British blackcurrants in greater quantities, to trigger the interest in frozen blackcurrants so as to create year-round appeal, and to increase the use of British blackcurrants in various other formats, such as juices and smoothies.
“The blackcurrant market in the UK is, as we know, much bigger than the current demand for British blackcurrants. Our challenge has to be to infiltrate new markets, such as yoghurts, desserts, drinks and sorbets, and take share from those UK manufacturers currently using imported blackcurrants.”
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