The UK soft fruit season is coming to an end, and according to Chris Rose from Asplins Producer Organisation, it has, in general, been a good season for growers.
"Our blueberries are all but finished, and the strawberries, not in glass houses, will end in around ten days," said Chris. "The strawberry season started early due to the hot weather, and the early and mid-seasons were strong. September saw a bit of a shortage of fruit due to the weather, but in the last few weeks, we have seen a late flush with much more volume than we would normally see in October. We sold 350 tonnes last week."
Raspberries are also going well just now and should continue into November, but this, as always, is weather dependent; the forecast is for the mild weather to continue for a while longer.
"Demand has been generally good throughout the season. It is a little bit difficult just now, as we had lower volumes and then this late flush, which we were not expecting. At this point in the season, some growers are letting some fields go and not picking them."
Chris said this season has been good for growers, and prices have been better. "They can always be higher as costs continue to increase, but growers really needed some good prices this season."
For more information:
Chris Rose
Asplins Producer Organisation
Tel: +44 1795 594811
Email: [email protected]
