Britain’s balmy spring weather has been a godsend for growers with one popular fruit hitting shelves early this year as a result, experts say. British Berry Growers (BBG), an industry body representing 95% of all the UK’s commercial soft fruit growers, says the weather has helped get raspberries to consumers faster than normal – and the fruit quality they’re seeing is “outstanding”.
Unusually warm spring and ideal growing conditions have seen raspberries seven to ten days early, and they’re also some of the largest of recent years, with each berry weighing 8-9g on average.
BBG chairman Nick Marston said: ”British berry growers work incredibly hard to ensure quality and consistency across their crop, and it is clear the weather has also lent them a helping hand this year. With the season starting early and the fruit quality looking outstanding, we’re expecting strong demand for British raspberries throughout the summer.”
British raspberries have become a seasonal staple in recent years, with data showing their popularity comes second only to British strawberries.”
Jim Floor, managing director at major British berry producer Hall Hunter, said: “This is shaping up to be one of the best raspberry seasons we’ve had in years.
“We’re seeing consistently large berries with incredible flavour, and the early start means British shoppers can enjoy them sooner than usual.”
His comments were echoed by Alix Stewart, an agronomist at Scottish cooperative Angus Growers, which supplies raspberries.
Ms Stewart said the “combination of warm days and cool nights has given the berries the ideal conditions to thrive”.
“This year’s fruit is not only large and eye-catching, it’s packed full of natural sweetness,” she continued.
“Early indicators suggest very strong yields too.”
