Four in 10 strawberry producers are at risk of closure in the UK

Published 2024년 7월 25일

Tridge summary

British Berry Growers (BBG) report that nearly half of UK berry growers are not making a profit, with 40% potentially closing by 2026 due to rising production costs. Despite record consumer spending on strawberries, costs for labor, fertilizer, packaging, and transport have significantly increased. Growers cite a lack of support from supermarkets and call for fair pricing, government support for seasonal worker visas, and streamlined export processes. Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd emphasizes the importance of supporting local berry growers to ensure the sustainability of this key British product.

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

Original content

British Berry Growers (BBG), who account for more than 95% of locally grown berries sold in the UK, found that almost half of growers (47%) reported not making a profit, suggesting 40% may close by the end of 2026. Approximately 37% of growers interviewed were considering reducing their production or completely abandoning soft fruit cultivation. Increase in Production Costs Concerns about the future of the sector have emerged as consumers spent a record £847.5 million (€986 million) on strawberries in the last 12 months. However, 89% of growers who were no longer profitable said they stopped making profits after 2020, mainly due to the rising cost of production, BBG said. Labor, fertiliser, packaging and transport costs have increased by £836 (€973) per tonne for British strawberries over the past four years, with raspberries, blackberries and blueberries increasing by £1,911 (€2,223), £1,996 respectively (€2,324) and £2,326 (€2,709) per tonne. Relations with Supermarkets More ...

Source: Italianberry