Key Summary
- British raspberry season starts nearly two weeks early due to ideal spring weather.
- Growers report exceptional berry size, flavour, and strong yields.
- Trade body expects high demand, supported by consumer-facing promotional campaigns.
British raspberries have hit store shelves almost two weeks ahead of schedule, with growers hailing this year’s crop as potentially the best in recent memory.
A warm, dry spring punctuated by intermittent rainfall has provided near-perfect growing conditions, leading to a bumper crop of large, flavour-packed berries, some weighing up to nine grams.
“This is shaping up to be one of the best raspberry seasons we’ve had in years,” said Jim Floor, Managing Director at berry supplier Hall Hunter. “We’re seeing consistently large berries with incredible flavour, and the early start means British shoppers can enjoy them sooner than usual.”
The quality and early arrival of raspberries follow a similarly strong strawberry season, which benefited from high levels of sunshine and bee pollination in March and April.
Early indicators suggest strong yields across the board. Alix Stewart, agronomist at Scottish growers’ cooperative Angus Growers, said, “The combination of warm days and cool nights has given the berries the ideal conditions to thrive.”
The positive outlook has been echoed by Nick Marston, Chairman of British Berry Growers, the trade body representing UK soft fruit producers.
“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,” he said. “With the season starting early and the fruit quality looking outstanding, we’re expecting strong demand for British raspberries throughout the summer.”
To capitalise on the early season momentum, British Berry Growers will ramp up promotional efforts through its year-round Love Fresh Berries campaign.
The initiative kicks off with consumer media visits to berry farms across the UK, offering firsthand access to growers and the story behind the fruit.
