Sales of red berries have more than trebled over the last 10 years as shoppers choose them to brighten up festive tables and breakfasts.
The new figures, released by trade body British Summer Fruits (BSF), also said that consumption of strawberries and raspberries has grown by two and a half times during the decade.
BSF said the figures outstrip the traditional Christmas citrus, which it said has only increased sales by a third in the last 10 years.
Chairman Nick Marston said: “These figures reflect a robust, expanding soft-fruit category, that is able to meet growing consumer demand and I am sure that the figures will grow further this Christmas.'
Sales of red berries now account for almost a quarter (22 per cent) or one in every £5 spent on fruit, according to BSF, with the berry industry now worth over £1 billion.
'Berries are a great healthy, festive snack which is backed up by a large body of research. They are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals and phyto (plant) nutrients, that have been linked to a diverse range of health benefits,” said BSF nutritionist Emma Derbyshire.
