UK blueberry production to increase by a third as demand for local berries grows rapidly

Published 2024년 8월 16일

Tridge summary

Tesco has reported a 27% rise in demand for UK-grown blueberries this season compared to the previous year, with plans to sell about 57,000 tonnes of berries this year. However, domestic producers can only supply about 6,000 tonnes, leaving a shortfall that is currently met by imports. Tesco is working with the UK's largest blueberry producer, Hall Hunter, to increase domestic production through a large-scale program that aims to boost the UK's harvest by about a third, reducing the need for imports. Hall Hunter is investing in new production methods and plans to plant an additional 55 hectares to produce an estimated 4,000 tonnes of blueberries. The company is also experimenting with new varieties better suited to the UK climate to extend the growing season.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

According to British retailer Tesco, demand for UK-grown blueberries has increased by 27% this season compared to last year, EastFruit reports. The supermarket chain says this figure puts the berry on par with fruits whose consumption in the UK is growing rapidly. This year, British consumers plan to buy about 57,000 tonnes of berries. However, domestic producers can only supply about 6,000 tonnes, with the rest imported, FreshFruitPortal notes. This is expected to change over the next few years thanks to a large-scale production programme that is hoped to increase the UK's overall harvest by about a third. This means less fruit will have to be imported in the summer months. Read also: Georgia breaks into EU blueberry market in June 2024! “UK produce is extremely popular in season and we want to be able to buy more, so we’re working with UK berry growers on a production programme, guaranteeing them supplies and giving them confidence that they can plant more,” said Callum Baker, ...

Source: Eastfruit