British blackcurrant growers are reaping the benefits of ideal winter weather conditions, with this year’s - early - crop set to be as healthy as ever.
According to The Blackcurrant Foundation, early-season cold allowed for a good level of bud break and strong crop ripening, the winter rains ensured water-store in the ground, enabling the swelling that results in larger berries, andrecent warmer, sunnier periods have improved brix levels to averages of at least 16 per cent, meaning there will be a sweeter-tasting crop of British blackcurrants for 2014.
As a result, the foundation says it will be able to provide Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ltd with high-quality produce for Ribena, which accounts for upwards of 90 per cent of Britain's blackcurrant crop.
Jo Hilditch, chair of The Blackcurrant Foundation, said: 'With Ribena continuing to maintain its place as the best-selling product range in the juice drinks sector with a value of £66.8 million and growing at a rate of 20.3 per cent according to Nielsen data, it is vital that the foundation is able to provide large quantity and high-quality berries to assist Lucozade Ribena Suntory in driving growth within the soft drink sector.
'This season has experienced all the factors required for a strong-performing crop. We understand Lucozade Ribena Suntory’s need for high-quality and specially-bred British blackcurrants that go into Ribena and we are privileged to be able to continue fulfilling this requirement. We are very pleased to say that the berries are looking extremely healthy and the season is due to start earlier than in 2013.'
Blackcurrants are renowned for containing high levels of antioxidants, which can help to prevent Alzheimer’s, heart disease, eye strain, MRSA and urinary tract infections.
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