There is no dialogue between berry producers and large retailers in the United Kingdom

The continuing "mismatch" between prices charged by retailers and production costs could force the UK to start importing berries in larger quantities, growers have warned. Retailers are enjoying increased berry sales but are not paying prices that keep pace with rising production costs, growers say. The issues were highlighted by industry association British Berry Growers, which published the results of its annual autumn survey at a meeting with retailers this week. The survey, conducted among 50% of BBG members, revealed large disparities between retail and source prices, reflecting the difficulties faced by apple growers as well. For strawberries, the cost of production has increased by 18.1p per 400g pack since 2021, according to research from Andersons Midland Farm Business Consulting. Retail prices rose by 27 pence per pack over this period, a 14.8% increase. However, average yields for growers increased by just 2.3% or 3.6 pence, growers report. In the case of raspberries, ...