The Blackcurrant Foundation, which represents UK blackcurrant growers, says that despite a challenging start to the season and increased production costs, the country’s growers are optimistic about the potential of this year’s crop.
The recent warm and sunny spell has been perfectly timed for the second flowering of the crop, providing hope of good yields and quality, with the 35 growers expected to produce more than 11,000 tonnes of blackcurrants this year – maintaining average yields of around 3 tonnes/acre (higher than last year’s output which was limited by hot weather).
Blackcurrant Foundation spokesperson Jo Hilditch commented, “The increasing cost of farming inputs, including labour and materials, has led growers to be cautious about planting new blackcurrant plantations this year. Instead, many growers have opted to extend the lifespan of their existing crops, striving to achieve the highest quality yield possible.”
Around 90% of the crop is used to produce Ribena, with the rest being frozen or processed. 15 July has been announced as this year’s Blackcurrant Day, which aims to highlight the many benefits of the fruit.