British Berry Growers have said that consumers will enjoy larger than average sized strawberries this season, making up for a later-than-usual start to the UK season.
The slow start has been blamed on cooler spring conditions and a lack of sunshine meaning that crops are up to a month later than the first fruits last year However, the slower growing season and recent warm sunny weather means that not only are fruits bigger than normal, but sweeter and juicier too.
Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, commented, “Our strawberry crop has arrived a little later this year but the good news is that they are well worth the wait. Cooler spring weather means that strawberries have ripened a little more slowly which allows them to grow particularly large, and the recent bright weather has boosted their sugar content, ensuring they’re incredibly sweet-tasting too.
“Advanced growing techniques now mean we produce fresh British strawberries from May right through to October. That’s great news for UK shoppers and it means big business for the UK economy too.”
British strawberry production is expected to hit its peak in around the third and fourth weeks of June.