The strawberry is synonymous with the British summertime and the most popular berry in terms of volume sold. Strawberry production is a key contributor to the success of the whole soft fruit industry, which includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Strawberry sales alone total £564 million and represent over 51 percent of the total soft fruit sales, which this year has reached a record high of £1.1billion.
Berry sales from all sources now equate to a staggering 21 percent of total fruit consumption in the UK, overtaking apples and bananas, and establishing berries as the largest fresh fruit category. With sales in excess of £1 billion, consumption of berries has grown by an impressive 132 percent across the decade, outstripping the 49 percent increase of fruit consumption as a whole.
According to British Summer Fruits there are four main reasons for the growth in the category: Increased consumer demand due to berries’ renowned health benefits and superfood status
- More acres of berries are being grown than ever before
- The development of new varieties
- Innovative growing methods that have extended the British season
Laurence Olins, Chairman of British Summer Fruits said: “Berries used to be a luxury item, but now they are a delicious staple, consumed as part of a healthy diet for many people.
“The sales figures reveal a robust and expanding soft fruit category that is meeting growing consumer demand. The berry industry as a whole will continue to expand and as the season begins, consumers can look forward to good quality British berries on supermarket shelves.”
The Met Office recorded the warmest May temperature since 2012 but as the weather begins to change again, the cooler nights and less hot days means the fruit ripens slowly giving greater depth to its flavour. This year consumers can expect sweet and juicy strawberries that are well worth the wait.
