British Summer Fruits (BSF) has announced a significant sales increase for summer 2009, totalling 58,400 tonnes of soft fruit, which represents an overall increase of 17.2 per cent over 2008.
The industry body, which represents growers who supply more than 92 per cent of the berries sent to the UK’s major multiples, said blueberry sales had risen significantly by 305 per cent on last year.
This equates to 1,139t of the UK's fastest-growing soft fruit, which has been embraced by the UK in recent years.
New eating varieties bearing larger-sized fruit have also contributed to the success. If crop growth continues at these levels, the industry can expect the sales of blueberries to challenge raspberries as Britain’s second-favourite berry.
Blackberries also experienced a record year with sales up by 33 per cent on last year’s figures. The surge in popularity and sales of these berries is partly due to an increase in crops planted, which has resulted in an extended season, British blackberries were available from June to October, with new, better eating varieties on offer.
Following a poor season last year, strawberries saw a steady growth in sales of 17 per cent (48,770t). Customers have enjoyed more late fruiting varieties than ever before and have continued to purchase strawberries as an affordable treat. Raspberries showed an increase of three per cent, with sales of 7,011t. This crop continues to prove a challenge for growers.
The surge in overall sales is due in part to this year’s improved growing conditions. Unlike the very wet and poor light conditions suffered by many berry farms last year, this year’s crop has enjoyed no frosts in spring, warmer weather in summer, and good pollinating conditions, resulting in better quality crops.
Laurence Olins, chairman of BSF, said: “It has been a strong summer for all berries. We have seen great support from the consumer and the retailers. This, combined with settled weather and increased volumes of crops, has allowed the industry to deliver a long and successful summer season.
“Blueberries are the real success story of the summer and we believe there is a lot more to come next year as our British farmers embrace this fruit. Following poor weather in 2008, we are pleased to be back on track with these impressive sales figures.”
Demand for berries continues to grow year on year. The rise is largely due to an extension of the season, both at its beginning and end; high quality of berries; availability of new varieties; and sustained promotional campaigns highlighting the seasons of all UK berries and their health benefits.
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