The raspberry price has been under pressure over several years but according to Chris Rose, Commercial Controller at Asplins Producer Organisation, this has changed. "Last year there was an increased volume of UK raspberries on the market and there was concern over the price, but in fact it was relatively good. The category is moving rapidly and there are a lot of good varieties around and in more volumes. We believe this has lead to increased consumer repeat purchases, but the question is with the volumes continuing to increase will that be enough?"
According to Chris, blackberries have a lot of untapped potential and there are improved, sweeter varieties around but development appears to be limited to a couple of companies in the UK and good eating varieties are still required.
Additional planting of raspberries is continuing but this is not so clearly the case for blackberries.
"Strawberries, I think are at or near maturity," explains Chris. "There will be increased sales but only in small volumes, while blueberries still have a way to go. There is a lot of potential still in the blueberry sector but the challenge for growers is that UK blueberries do not have any perceived better flavour or quality than cheaper imported product.
"It is difficult to know how the mild winter and cold spring will affect the production of raspberries and blackberries," said Chris. "We could see smaller sizes which would be a challenge in terms of picking costs which are already up due to increased labour costs."
The first raspberry harvest has started in the glasshouses in small volumes but Chris reckons there may be a gap before big volumes from the tunnels will start. Blackberries are also being picked from glasshouses in small volumes although the tunnel crop will not start for a few weeks.
For more information:
Chris Rose
Asplins Producer Organisation
Tel: +44 1795 594811
Email: commercial@asplinspo.com