Market
Fresh strawberries are a major UK soft-fruit crop, commonly produced under protected systems such as polythene tunnels and supplied largely to the domestic retail market. Defra’s Horticulture Statistics 2024 described the 2024 season with picking starting in the first week of May and slowing in late September and early October, alongside weather-driven supply swings within the season. Despite domestic production, Great Britain remains a large importer of fresh strawberries; UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) shows substantial 2024 imports led by Spain, the Netherlands, Egypt and Morocco. Market access is shaped by Great Britain’s Specific Marketing Standard for strawberries (quality class and origin labelling) and by risk-based plant health import controls and notifications where applicable.
Market RoleNet importer with meaningful domestic production (seasonal)
Domestic RoleMajor soft-fruit crop for domestic retail supply; production is predominantly marketed within Great Britain.
Market GrowthDeclining (2024 vs 2023 (Defra horticulture statistics))year-on-year decline in 2024 versus 2023 for domestic production value and volume
SeasonalityThe UK season is spring-to-autumn, with protected production enabling earlier and later supply; Defra reported 2024 picking starting in the first week of May and slowing in late September/early October.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighPerishable strawberry consignments are highly exposed to border disruption or non-compliance under Great Britain’s Specific Marketing Standard (class/origin labelling) and applicable plant health controls (risk-based requirements that may include IPAFFS notification and phytosanitary certification for controlled routes). Delays, regrading, or withdrawal from the fresh market can rapidly convert product into waste or lower-value channels.Run pre-shipment conformity checks against GB strawberry SMS labelling/class rules; verify plant health risk category and any current route measures; ensure documentation (including IPAFFS references and any required phytosanitary certificate) is complete and consistent before dispatch.
Climate MediumUK strawberry output and in-season availability are sensitive to extreme and variable weather (storms, flooding, heat and low light), which can create short-term gluts or tight supply and disrupt crop management and picking schedules.Diversify supply across regions and production systems (protected/ambient); align promotions and procurement with in-season supply signals and weather-driven volatility.
Pest And Disease MediumPests (including aphids and spotted wing drosophila) and diseases (including powdery mildew and grey mould/botrytis) are documented challenges for UK strawberry growers, raising yield-loss and quality-rejection risk.Require integrated pest management protocols and monitoring records from suppliers; strengthen pre-cooling and handling controls to reduce botrytis and post-harvest decay.
Labor MediumCommercial strawberry production is labour-intensive at harvest and relies on seasonal workers; shortages, welfare issues, or recruitment disruptions can reduce harvest throughput and increase waste or quality downgrades.Assess supplier labour plan robustness (recruitment, accommodation, grievance channels); prioritise suppliers with strong compliance history and third-party social audits where used.
Food Safety MediumImported and domestic strawberries must meet GB food hygiene and chemical safety expectations; failures (for example pesticide residue non-compliance) can lead to border actions, recalls, and retailer delisting.Implement residue monitoring and supplier assurance aligned to GB/EU-retained standards; maintain lot-level traceability to enable rapid containment if an issue occurs.
Sustainability- Plastic use and waste management associated with polythene tunnels and retail packaging
- Energy use and emissions exposure where heated tunnels/glasshouse/LED production is used to extend the season
- Water stewardship and irrigation efficiency in protected strawberry systems
Labor & Social- Seasonal agricultural labour availability and welfare risk in horticulture (Seasonal Worker visa route oversight and ongoing monitoring)
- Modern slavery and labour exploitation risk management expectations in UK food and agriculture supply chains, including licensed labour provider compliance where applicable
Standards- BRCGS (packhouse/food safety management certification commonly referenced by UK supply chains)
- GLOBALG.A.P. / GGN-based traceability identifiers (commonly used in produce traceability and labelling contexts)
FAQ
What quality grades apply to strawberries sold in Great Britain under marketing standards?Great Britain’s Specific Marketing Standard for strawberries uses three quality classes: Extra Class, Class I and Class II. The class and the country of origin must be shown on the labelling where required.
When is the main UK strawberry picking season?Defra’s Horticulture Statistics 2024 described picking starting in the first week of May in 2024 and slowing in late September and early October, with protected production helping extend availability.
Which countries supplied the most fresh strawberries to the United Kingdom in 2024?UN Comtrade data published via the World Bank’s WITS tool shows the largest 2024 suppliers were Spain, the Netherlands, Egypt and Morocco.