According to reports, cool weather at the beginning of June has seen a decline in strawberry availability, although supplies are expected to pick up in time for Wimbledon fortnight.
John Gray, managing director of Angus Soft Fruits, told the Fresh Produce Journal, that the company had experienced a gap in production between its early and main-season crops following below-average temperatures since late May, leading some retailers to run short of the iconic summer fruit.
His comments were echoed by Jack Darnes, commercial director at The Summer Berry Company, although he stressed that plants were still producing fruit, although ripening had been delayed. “The volume is still there on the plants, the plants look healthy, the quality is good, and I’m hearing the same from other growers. So, I would still expect there to be plenty of volume at the end of June and into July for Wimbledon. It’s a minor blip and the retailers aren’t necessarily short. They’ve just delayed their promotions by a week,” he explained.
At the same time, the cool wet spring has boosted blueberry volumes, causing a glut in production for some growers. Hall Hunter, which produces around half the UK’s 6,000-tonne blueberry crop, highlighted the impact of the weather. It said that the cooler conditions had enhanced berry quality and extended the growing season, allowing for a more substantial and prolonged harvest.
However, there are suggestions that the bumper crop had flooded the market, with retailers running promotions and special offers, to drive sales and encourage consumers to take advantage of the lower prices.
