Massive blueberry production planned by UK growers as demand hits all-time high

Blueberries have become so popular that UK growers are ramping up production in order to meet the rocketing demand.

Since the start of the British season, demand at Tesco for UK grown blueberries has soared by 27* per cent putting them amongst the top of the UK’s fastest growing fruit.

Based on recent demand UK shoppers are set to buy around 57,000 tonnes** of the fruit this year – but at the moment British growers can only supply about 6000 tonnes with the rest made up from imports.

That will change over the next few years with a massive production programme that will see total UK yield boosted by around a third and which will mean less fruit needing to be imported during the summer months. 
Tesco berries buyer Callum Baker said:

“The British crop is extremely popular when in season and we’d love to be able to take more which is why we are working with UK growers on a production programme, guaranteeing them a return and giving them confidence to plant more.

“Blueberries are very much the fruit of the moment as they are so popular with all age groups because of their healthy reputation and especially with kids who over the last decade have made them a lunchbox staple. 
“We’d love to be able to get more, especially those grown in the UK in order to further support British growers and we are currently working with our suppliers and growers by committing to larger volumes and guaranteeing a return for their produce.”

Tesco is now working with Hall Hunter, who have four farms across Berkshire and Surrey, and are the UK’s biggest grower of blueberries. This year they will produce about 2500 tonnes of the fruit – nearly half of the entire UK production.

The company has recently invested in better production methods including new grading and packing machinery as well as a state-of-the-art harvester capable of picking 600kg of fruit an hour.
Hall Hunter Managing Director Jim Floor said: “Demand for blueberries is at an all-time high and due to the current popularity we are planting an additional 55 hectares which should produce about 4000 tonnes of fruit once the plants mature.

“We’ve tested new varieties and are now growing types that are better suited to the British climate, with both early and later maturing plants that will extend the current UK growing season from mid-June to mid-September.

“We are developing a new farm in Surrey, specifically for blueberries, which will be 70 hectares and it will be finished next year. We are also prioritising sustainable methods such as surrounding the blueberry fields with new hedgerows and biodiversity areas, including wild flower meadows.

“All crops are drip irrigated to minimise water usage and we are also building a new reservoir to catch surface water in the winter and store it for use in the summer.” 

Tesco Nutritionist Laura Farrell said: 
“Blueberries are low in calories, a great source of fibre and are a colourful way to add to your five-a-day health regime with about two handfuls or four heaped tablespoons being considered a portion.

“They are a source of manganese which is needed to obtain energy from our food, maintain our bones, and helps in the formation of connective tissue. They make the perfect sweet, refreshing summer snack or are great for adding colour and variety to your breakfasts and salads.”

ENDS 
*   - British Berry Growers data August 6 2024
** - Kantar data - June 2023