Blueberries are having their moment in the UK! More and more people are munching on these tiny blue fruits, whether they’re tossed into smoothies, added to salads, or just eaten straight from the box. But the best part? These delicious blueberries are now being grown right here in Britain, and the boom is making waves!
British blueberry sales have jumped by 13% this year. That’s a huge deal, especially considering the tough conditions farmers have faced. The British Berry Growers (BBG), a group that represents blueberry farmers, says this increase is a sign that people are more interested in healthy food and that British blueberries are top-notch.
Neil Donaldson, who works for Hall Hunter, the largest blueberry farm in the UK, says the demand for blueberries is at an all-time high. “They’re packed full of antioxidants and vitamins,” he explains. “People are slowly realizing how good they are for you. Plus, they last longer than strawberries or raspberries.”
Every year, UK shoppers buy about 60,000 tonnes of blueberries. British farms provide about 10% of that, while the rest comes from other countries like Poland, Peru, or Chile, depending on the season. But more Brits are starting to realize that blueberries can be grown here, too.
“The UK climate is perfect for blueberries, and we’re working on extending the growing season with new varieties that ripen at different times,” says Donaldson. Hall Hunter, which grows blueberries in Berkshire and Surrey, is on track to produce around 2,500 tonnes of blueberries this year. They’re also expanding by planting 55 more hectares (135 acres) to reach about 4,000 tonnes in the future.
This blueberry boom is great news for farmers who have been struggling financially. According to Nick Marston, chair of the BBG, the increasing demand for berries is a bright spot for an industry that has had its share of challenges. Recent figures show that the overall berry market – including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries – is worth £1.9 billion. This is an 11% increase in value and a 5% increase in volume over the past year.
Despite this positive trend, it’s not all smooth sailing. While blueberry sales are soaring, the strawberry market has only grown by 1%, and sales of raspberries and blackberries have actually dropped by 5% and 2%, respectively. The BBG has warned that many strawberry and raspberry farms might go out of business by 2026 due to rising costs and low pay from supermarkets.
Marston explains that the pressure on growers is especially tough for raspberries and blackberries. Some farms are cutting back production because labor costs are so high. In fact, wages make up about two-thirds of the cost of a punnet of raspberries. It’s a real challenge for farmers trying to make ends meet.
Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket, is stepping in to help by working with suppliers to sell more British blueberries. They’re focusing on larger volumes and making sure that farmers get a good return on their crops. This partnership aims to support local growers and ensure that British blueberries continue to be a popular choice for shoppers.
The British blueberry boom shows that people are increasingly choosing locally grown, healthy foods. As more British farms ramp up production and supermarkets support local growers, we can expect even more delicious blueberries to fill our shelves.
So next time you grab a punnet of blueberries, remember that you’re not just enjoying a tasty treat – you’re supporting British farmers and their hard work. Whether you’re adding them to your breakfast cereal, making a fruit salad, or just snacking on them, British blueberries are proving that good things come in small, blue packages!
