Dreary weather delays British raspberry production but August will see high volumes of larger and sweeter fruits

The cloudy, rainy weather this summer may have been disappointing for many Brits, but the silver lining is an exceptional crop of British raspberries, with high volumes forecast for August following a period of reduced production.

Raspberries are historically a forest plant which thrive in warm and shady environments. They benefit from consistent temperatures and partial cloud cover, which was lacking in June and July – which saw cooler than average temperatures. As a result, raspberry production to date is down four percent on last year.

But although low temperatures and light levels posed challenges for growers, raspberry plants did not suffer damage from extreme heat or frost – meaning a return to settled weather will see volumes quickly increase during August.
The fruits are forecast to be particularly large and flavoursome. A return to average temperatures with mixed spells will allow the fruits to steadily ripen and accumulate more sugars overtime, enhancing their sweetness.  
British berry growers are reporting that multiple visits are required to clear fields, promising a plentiful supply of raspberries on supermarket shelves throughout the remainder of the season – which now extends into November thanks to modern cultivation techniques, including the widespread use of polytunnels.  

While weather conditions are increasingly unpredictable due to climate change, breeders are developing raspberry varieties capable of withstanding variable conditions, ensuring delicious produce is consistently available.

Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries) are the most popular fruit item in shoppers’ baskets, holding the biggest market share (28%) of all fruit sold in the UK. Berries are big business, with year-round retail sales at an all-time high of £1.87 billion and strong potential for further expansion into overseas markets.

Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, the industry body representing 95 percent of berries supplied to UK supermarkets, said: “Despite the less-than-ideal weather for those of us hoping for sunshine, the cloud cover and absence of extreme heat or cold, has created the ideal conditions for larger and sweeter raspberries – with high production forecast throughout August.

“The quality crop on supermarket shelves is a testament to our growers’ resilience and innovation in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. We’re excited for this excellent harvest to be enjoyed by consumers both in the UK and abroad.

For over 80 sweet and savoury raspberry recipes, visit the Love Fresh Berries website at www.lovefreshberries.com/recipes.