UK: Soft fruit season gets underway at AngusSoft Fruit
The main production takes place in Scotland, with some growers in England and Spain the supply is complimented with imports from Holland, Egypt and the Middle East. Blueberries and blackberries are also imported from Central and South America.
John Gray, Commercial Director explained that, "This year the season is generally late after a very warm March followed by an unseasonably cold April we are about a week behind, last week was the first big week of the season, still not too bad for this far north".
Lochy Porter, Managing Director
John goes on to say that the business continues to grow, 5% up year on year. "Last year was a difficult year, firstly for imports then we had extreme winds in May which cost us on average 15% of production, the most exposed crops were totally lost."
On the UK market berries continue to do well, showing more growth that other fruit and fresh produce in general, blueberries have the biggest growth. They have overtaken the raspberry into second place behind strawberries for much of the year.
Angus Soft Fruits is a member of British Summer Fruit, who are continuing to push the healthy aspects of berries to the consumer. In addition the company has its own brand Good Natured, a range of fruit vegetables and herbs which pesticide and residue free. These products are available in Morrisons, Tesco and Asda.
This brand has brought Angus Soft Fruits closer to the consumer through the website, Face Book and Twitter.
For more information:
John Gray
Angus Soft Fruits Ltd.
Tel: +44 1241 879989
[email protected]
www.angussoftfruits.co.uk
www.goodnaturedfruit.co.uk