"The crop is looking excellent with nice big berries and great taste," explains Director, Peter Thomson who expects volumes to be up 20% on last year. "Some of this is due to new production and some to a higher yield. Last season was later so we didn't pick all the fruit."
"Poland are very much still in the UK market at the moment, but they have suffered a few set backs this season such as frost at the beginning of the year and rain later on and now very high temperatures which does not give the prospect for good storage capabilities. It may mean that there will not be a surplus of fruit and prices will hold up."
The overall demand for blueberries is still on the increase and supermarkets are, in general, loyal to British produce as are the consumers.
Peter does have concerns about labour this season and in years to come due to the possible end to freedom of movement within Europe. Currently he only has 20% of his full workforce, which is all he needs at the moment to pick his cherry crop, in the coming weeks he is expecting the remaining 80% to come as arranged.
For more information:
Peter Thomson
Thomas Thomson
Tel: +44 1250 875500
Email: pthomson@tthomson.co.uk
www.tthomson.co.uk