Plentiful sunshine sparks optimism as growers look ahead to start of UK soft fruit harvest
Strawberry plants are developing well thanks to “ideal” light conditions in Kent, according to industry body British Berry Growers, as the countdown to the UK berry season begins.
With plentiful sunshine and a cool breeze, growers say they are optimistic for this year’s harvest.
Berries (including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries) are the best-selling fruit category in the UK, and volume sales have increased by 4.3 per cent year on year.
Market penetration (the percentage of consumers buying berries) now stands at 85.3 percent, according to Kantar.
The British berry market also reached a total market value of £2 billion for the first time earlier this year, according to British Berry Growers, the industry body representing 95 percent of British berries sold in the UK.
