UK consumers could be forced to sacrifice British Grown quality if soft fruit industry doesn’t get help
Just when the industry was looking to recover from the pandemic, we’ve been plunged into an even greater state of crisis triggered by a number of factors. Increased production costs linked to soaring energy tariffs and the rate of inflation peaking at 11.1% in October 2022 (a figure that is even higher in agriculture, anything […]
Which UK supermarket earned British Growers crown for biggest growth in berry sales?
To be named Retailer of the Year by the assocation whose members supply nearly all of the berries in UK supermarkets is no small feat. Given the displays seen at some top retailers, the choice in 2023 by British Berry Growers might be surprising. But it is certainly warranted given the tremendous strides they’ve made […]
Charting the impact of El Niño on Peruvian blueberries
Peru’s ascendancy in the blueberry industry can be attributed to two pivotal factors: climate conditions and the genetic suitability for blueberry cultivation. An optimal temperate climate with a desert-arid-subtropical character prevails across nearly the entire coastal expanse. This climate fundamentally ensures high-quality blueberries. Moreover, this is of paramount significance in expediting the early-stage blueberry production […]
State of Blueberry report shows shifts in UK imports, dire straits for domestic growers
The International Blueberry Organization unveiled its highly anticipated 2023 State of the Global Blueberry Industry report on Aug. 15, via a live presentation. The analysis thoroughly examines the sector’s challenges and strengths, confirming a shift in production towards the counter season. “Sometime either in 2023 or 2024, the industry will see more fresh volumes shipped […]
British blueberries, the ‘mighty’ snacking fruit, are filling up produce section shelves
British blueberry producers are expecting to send 6,000 tonnes of fruit to retail shelves this year, projecting the “sweetest and largest crop yet.” This season, which started in early June and will run to late September, will offer “sweeter than ever” fruit thanks to sunny weather which boosts blueberries’ natural sugar content. “British blueberries have long […]
UK should reap rewards of global blueberry expansion, availability
Thanks to a sea shift in the blueberry industry from regional to global, availability of the plump and nutritious fruits should continue to growth exponentially in the UK, according to a report from Netherlands-based Rabobank. Blueberries, a ‘super fruit’ with an unrivaled balance of antioxidants, colour, convenience and flavour, are seeing increased demand from consumers […]
Westfalia Fruit using insect plan to control pests, protect fruits in Chile
In an effort to be more sustainable in its pest control methods, Westfalia Fruit Group is turning to insects over pesticides in a project in Chile to help protect its crops from Mealybugs and White scale. At its facility near Santiago, they are cultivating beetle predators to limit White scale in avocado and Red Scale […]
Berry Gardens turns to athletics’ star for new ‘Taste’ campaign
Berry Gardens has a new, very familiar and health-conscious spokesperson for its six-figure More Than Taste marketing campaign: triple jump World Champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill. Ennis-Hill is helping the UK’s largest co-operative of British berry growers pitch its blueberries and three varieties from Driscoll’s – Maravilla raspberries, Victoria Sweet blackberries and Zara strawberries. Ennis-Hill is not […]
