Tesco, Sainsbury's and M&S shoppers issued fruit update
By the end of August, it is anticipated that about 5,133 tonnes will be harvested, up from almost 4,187 tonnes at the same time last year.
Spent almost £5 on the 'posh' strawberries and raspberries from @sainsburys only to find half of them are mush when we have gone to eat them. What a waste of money for what is meant to be their leading branded products. pic.twitter.com/O6boSOYFPi — Christopher James (@TheBornAgainCJ) July 29, 2025
According to fruit experts and grocery analysts across the country, sales of the round fruit have also risen by nine per cent year-on-year.
Daniel Martin, Group Commercial Director at SandA Produce, commented: "This blueberry season has seen a really positive early start, about two weeks ahead of schedule, thanks to strong light levels and an absence of rain.
"As a result, we're seeing excellent fruit size and nice, even ripening across the crop. In summary, we are optimistic about the season and expect to see excellent flavour and shelf life from this year's crop."
Jim Floor, Managing Director of Hall Hunter, one of the UK's leading blueberry growers, stated: "When it comes to robotic fruit picking, we're seeing steady and encouraging progress from robotics and automation companies. However, the technology isn't quite ready for widespread commercial adoption just yet."
Nick Marston, Chair of the industry body British Berry Growers, revealed that all UK berry crops, including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, were up by about 25 per cent.
Recommended reading:
"The weather has been very beneficial for all berry crops," he said.
Bartosz Pinkosz from the Summer Berry Company, which provides fruit to major supermarkets, revealed during the earlier warning to British families that his West Sussex farm was growing berries so large they "cannot fit in your mouth".
Mr Pinkosz informed The Guardian newspaper two months previously: "I have genuinely never seen a harvest produce such large berries consistently. Some are supersized – growing to the size of plums or even kiwi fruits."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
25 surnames that could connect you to one of the UK's richest families
A grand country estate still owned by one of Britain's wealthiest families – could your surname be linked to a fortune like this? | Canva This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. You might not have a title or a trust fund – but if your surname's on this list, you could be closer to Britain's wealth than you think. Sign up to our Retro newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... What if your last name was a link to one of Britain's hidden fortunes? From dukes and dynasties to supermarket heirs and sprawling country estates, British wealth has often flowed through family names. And while some fortunes are famous – think Grosvenor or Goldsmith – others stay quietly powerful, known only to locals or hidden in the footnotes of UK aristocratic history. But here's the thing: a surprising number of common UK surnames can be traced back to some of the wealthiest families in Britain – from landed gentry and political dynasties to business moguls and banking empires. In some cases, those connections still carry legal, financial or genealogical weight. That means your surname might hold a direct link to wealth – to land, titles, and maybe even inheritance. So how can you find out? With modern family tree research tools like MyHeritage DNA, it's easier than ever to explore your roots, search over 35 billion historical records, and uncover potential connections to rich British families you never knew about. Here are 25 UK surnames that show up again and again in the records of the richest and most powerful families in the country. 1. Grosvenor The Duke of Westminster's family. With vast land holdings in Mayfair and Belgravia, the Grosvenors are worth over £9 billion. 2. Cavendish The family behind the Dukes of Devonshire and owners of Chatsworth House. Historic aristocrats with substantial estates and investments. 3. Howard One of the most prominent noble families in England – the Dukes of Norfolk. Known for their peerage and large land assets. 4. Spencer Princess Diana's family. The Spencers are also major landowners and historically tied to British high society and politics. 5. Goldsmith Bankers, politicians and media investors. The Goldsmith name is tied to inherited wealth and influence – including Zac and Jemima Goldsmith. 6. Vestey A meat and shipping dynasty. The Vestey family once supplied British troops and still holds extensive wealth and aristocratic titles. 7. Bamford The family behind JCB. Lord Bamford sits in the House of Lords and the Bamfords are long listed on the UK Rich List. 8. Dyson Sir James Dyson, the vacuum innovator, heads a family fortune valued at over £20 billion, with strong roots in Wiltshire. 9. Rausing Connected to Tetra Pak and based in East Anglia. The Rausings are among the richest families in Europe. Your family tree could be bigger than you ever imagined — and DNA testing can help you trace its many branches. | Canva 10. Barclay The late Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay owned The Ritz, The Telegraph, and major retail brands. Their descendants still hold significant wealth. 11. Sackler Controversial but wealthy, the Sackler family has ties to UK-based trusts and arts institutions. Originally of European origin, but with UK branches. 12. Guinness Ireland's most famous brewing family – with members of the Guinness dynasty owning land and holding titles in the UK. 13. Sainsbury Founders of the supermarket chain. The Sainsbury family has remained influential through business and philanthropy. 14. Weston Canadian-British billionaire family with major interests in Selfridges, Primark (via ABF) and Fortnum & Mason. How to explore your family's fortunes Whether your name is on the list or just sounds like it might be, it's never been easier to search your roots. With MyHeritage, you can: Start a free family tree and trace your ancestors Access over 35 billion historical records Eake a DNA test and find genetic links to distant relatives Discover place-based records that match where your family once lived Begin your search with MyHeritage now 15. Hambro Old-school banking family with Anglo-Danish origins. Associated with merchant banking and discreet wealth management. 16. Rothschild One of the most famous financial dynasties in Europe, with branches in London, Paris and Vienna. Still active in UK philanthropy and finance. 17. Cadbury Quaker founders of the chocolate empire. The Cadbury family remains tied to Birmingham and surrounding areas. 18. Pilkington The glassmaking family from Lancashire. Once one of Britain's biggest industrial dynasties. 19. Benyon Landowning family based in Berkshire and Devon. Richard Benyon MP is one of the richest sitting politicians in the UK. 20. McAlpine Sir Robert McAlpine founded a construction empire. The name is still prominent in UK infrastructure. 21. Coats Paisley-based textile barons who built one of the world's biggest thread companies. Coats remains a recognised brand. 22. Tennant Scottish industrialists and aristocrats tied to chemicals and land. The family includes art patrons and public figures. 23. Astor Once American, now deeply British. The Astors held peerages, newspapers and grand houses – including Cliveden. 24. Montagu Bankers and politicians with historic seats in Hampshire and Yorkshire. Related to the Dukes of Manchester. 25. Fleming Scottish bankers and financiers. Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, came from this family line – itself wealthy and well-connected. How to explore your family's fortunes Whether your name is on the list or just sounds like it might be, it's never been easier to search your roots. With MyHeritage, you can: Start a free family tree and trace your ancestors Access over 35 billion historical records Take a DNA test and find genetic links to distant relatives Discover place-based records that match where your family once lived You never know what's hidden in your history – or how close you might be to one of Britain's great fortunes. This article was produced with the support of AI tools to assist in sourcing and structuring information. All content has been reviewed, verified and completed by a National World journalist prior to publication. Canva Is your surname a clue to Viking ancestry? Start tracing your Norse roots now £ 29.00 Buy now Buy now Think you're purely British? You might be surprised. Many people across the UK – especially in northern England, Scotland and coastal areas – still carry surnames with strong Viking origins, passed down from Norse settlers who didn't just raid, they stayed. Names like Gunn, Thoresen, Croft and Skene hint at a warrior past and a shared history stretching back over 1,000 years. We've listed 30 surnames with deep Viking links – check the full list in the article here. Want to take things further? MyHeritage DNA makes it easy to build your family tree and explore your ancestry. For just £33, you can uncover your genetic links to Scandinavia and the Viking age. Your surname might be just the beginning! National World Play Euromillions with 500 lines and 500 Millionaires Raffle tickets £ 9.00 Buy now Buy now If you're dreaming of one of those huge European jackpots, the Wowcher Euromillions syndicate deal is hard to beat. For just £9, you'll get an incredible 500 Euromillions syndicate lines plus 500 genuine Millionaires Raffle tickets. All tickets are official National Lottery entries, bought and managed by You Play We Play, so you're not betting — you're really playing. By joining a 50-person syndicate, you massively increase your chances of winning while sharing the fun and the prizes with your group. The draws happen every Tuesday and Friday, giving you two shots each week at jackpots that can top £200 million. Ready to aim for life-changing winnings? Join your discounted Euromillions syndicate here If you're worried about how gambling makes you feel, you can find free, confidential advice, tools and support, by visiting GambleAware or contacting the National Gambling Helpline, available 24/7, on 0808 8020 133
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Antler's sale axes 'biggest carry-on' cabin bags for Jet2 and Ryanair flyers by £75
Antler has just launched a major summer sale that's slashed the price of this Ryanair, EasyJet and Jet2-approved cabin case, saving shoppers a whopping £75 Antler, the renowned high-end luggage label, is all set for the rest of the travel season, as top items from its latest Icon Collection land on the retailer's massive summer sale. Boasting an impressive 110 years of excellence, the iconic British brand described last summer's Icon collection as "the perfect combination of style and practicality." This range is crafted to suit every kind of trip, whether it's a luxurious long-haul or a swift city break. It includes three distinctive styles: the Icon Stripe Suitcase, Soft Stripe Suitcase, and Discovery Backpack. The Icon Stripe Suitcase, in particular, is causing quite a stir among Antler enthusiasts as it's touted as the "biggest cabin bag" that still meets the size requirements of popular airlines Ryanair, EasyJet, and Jet2. What's more, the Icon Stripe cabin case is currently up for grabs with a major discount. The Icon Stripe Cabin Bag is quite roomy, measuring 39.5 x 58 x 24 cm and weighing a mere 2.8kg. This ensures it fits snugly in the overhead compartments of several budget airlines, helping jet-setters dodge those pesky extra luggage fees at the airport while providing ample space for all their essentials on their next weekend break. For those who often need more packing space when prepping for a trip, the Icon Stripe's generous 55L main compartment will be a godsend. The well-equipped interior features a lining, dual-zip pockets, and compression straps to keep belongings secure. Crafted from top-quality recycled polycarbonate, the Icon Stripe is incredibly sturdy and can handle any airport mishaps or bumping around in the luggage compartment. Plus, it's waterproof, so there's no need to worry about water damage inside the airport or as you make the trip from the airport to your hotel. Not only is it resilient, but this case also glides effortlessly around the airport thanks to its Silent Glide 360 spinner wheels, so you can wave goodbye to the grating sound of rattling wheels or the uncomfortable rocking of uneven wheels as you traverse to your gate. The handle also boasts a bespoke comfort grip. Now reduced to £111, this cabin case comes in a wide range of colours—with alternative-size models available if you'd like to secure the whole set or something bigger to meet your needs—but it's worth noting that the Dune Yellow hue is currently boasting the massive £75 discount. This cabin bag has amassed a majorly impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating from thrilled Antler shoppers. One buyer beams: "Great purchase. Light and the wheels are amazing. Glides on its own." Further accolades come from this shopper who shares: "A perfect suitcase - you know you're getting old when you ask for a new suitcase for your birthday but I am delighted and now want the bigger one!" A third shares the same sentiments, gushing: "Literally cannot fault this bag in any way. Obviously it's small, but it fits the dimensions for Ryanair flights perfectly too. 10/10." And a fourth chimes in: "Having to use a carry on for the first time ever I was really pleased with the space inside. It has been well thought out with three useful pockets. I got far more in than I thought I would be able to and even have space left over to pop in some gifts for people when I return. Gorgeous colour and so easy to set the lock code. Looking forward to using it shortly for my trip." Though one customer leaves a slightly disheartened 4-star review, noting: "The colour was a little dingier than the sunshine pale lemon I was expecting," that said, they do go on to say this: " but I cannot fault the build and quality. Looking forward to airing her out very shortly!" If you'd rather shop elsewhere and don't mind splashing some cash, check out Kapten & Son's Heathrow Essential Cabin Case for £189.90. Or, if you're keeping to a smaller budget, take a peek at this AVIO Underseat Cabin Bag perfect for easyJet and Wizz Air customers without paying extra for luggage, that's up for grabs on Amazon for £22.60. For something offering a little more personality, Nere's vibrant gelato-inspired cabin range is surely one to bring a smile to shoppers. This is the brand's lightest hard suitcase, engineered with a scratch-resistant PP hard shell for stress-free travel, and it sells for £59.40.
Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Scotsman
25 surnames that could connect you to one of the UK's richest families
A grand country estate still owned by one of Britain's wealthiest families – could your surname be linked to a fortune like this? | Canva This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. You might not have a title or a trust fund – but if your surname's on this list, you could be closer to Britain's wealth than you think. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... What if your last name was a link to one of Britain's hidden fortunes? From dukes and dynasties to supermarket heirs and sprawling country estates, British wealth has often flowed through family names. And while some fortunes are famous – think Grosvenor or Goldsmith – others stay quietly powerful, known only to locals or hidden in the footnotes of UK aristocratic history. But here's the thing: a surprising number of common UK surnames can be traced back to some of the wealthiest families in Britain – from landed gentry and political dynasties to business moguls and banking empires. In some cases, those connections still carry legal, financial or genealogical weight. That means your surname might hold a direct link to wealth – to land, titles, and maybe even inheritance. So how can you find out? With modern family tree research tools like MyHeritage DNA, it's easier than ever to explore your roots, search over 35 billion historical records, and uncover potential connections to rich British families you never knew about. Here are 25 UK surnames that show up again and again in the records of the richest and most powerful families in the country. 1. Grosvenor The Duke of Westminster's family. With vast land holdings in Mayfair and Belgravia, the Grosvenors are worth over £9 billion. 2. Cavendish The family behind the Dukes of Devonshire and owners of Chatsworth House. Historic aristocrats with substantial estates and investments. 3. Howard One of the most prominent noble families in England – the Dukes of Norfolk. Known for their peerage and large land assets. 4. Spencer Princess Diana's family. The Spencers are also major landowners and historically tied to British high society and politics. 5. Goldsmith Bankers, politicians and media investors. The Goldsmith name is tied to inherited wealth and influence – including Zac and Jemima Goldsmith. 6. Vestey A meat and shipping dynasty. The Vestey family once supplied British troops and still holds extensive wealth and aristocratic titles. 7. Bamford The family behind JCB. Lord Bamford sits in the House of Lords and the Bamfords are long listed on the UK Rich List. 8. Dyson Sir James Dyson, the vacuum innovator, heads a family fortune valued at over £20 billion, with strong roots in Wiltshire. 9. Rausing Connected to Tetra Pak and based in East Anglia. The Rausings are among the richest families in Europe. Your family tree could be bigger than you ever imagined — and DNA testing can help you trace its many branches. | Canva 10. Barclay The late Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay owned The Ritz, The Telegraph, and major retail brands. Their descendants still hold significant wealth. 11. Sackler Controversial but wealthy, the Sackler family has ties to UK-based trusts and arts institutions. Originally of European origin, but with UK branches. 12. Guinness Ireland's most famous brewing family – with members of the Guinness dynasty owning land and holding titles in the UK. 13. Sainsbury Founders of the supermarket chain. The Sainsbury family has remained influential through business and philanthropy. 14. Weston Canadian-British billionaire family with major interests in Selfridges, Primark (via ABF) and Fortnum & Mason. How to explore your family's fortunes Whether your name is on the list or just sounds like it might be, it's never been easier to search your roots. With MyHeritage, you can: Start a free family tree and trace your ancestors Access over 35 billion historical records Eake a DNA test and find genetic links to distant relatives Discover place-based records that match where your family once lived Begin your search with MyHeritage now 15. Hambro Old-school banking family with Anglo-Danish origins. Associated with merchant banking and discreet wealth management. 16. Rothschild One of the most famous financial dynasties in Europe, with branches in London, Paris and Vienna. Still active in UK philanthropy and finance. 17. Cadbury Quaker founders of the chocolate empire. The Cadbury family remains tied to Birmingham and surrounding areas. 18. Pilkington The glassmaking family from Lancashire. Once one of Britain's biggest industrial dynasties. 19. Benyon Landowning family based in Berkshire and Devon. Richard Benyon MP is one of the richest sitting politicians in the UK. 20. McAlpine Sir Robert McAlpine founded a construction empire. The name is still prominent in UK infrastructure. 21. Coats Paisley-based textile barons who built one of the world's biggest thread companies. Coats remains a recognised brand. 22. Tennant Scottish industrialists and aristocrats tied to chemicals and land. The family includes art patrons and public figures. 23. Astor Once American, now deeply British. The Astors held peerages, newspapers and grand houses – including Cliveden. 24. Montagu Bankers and politicians with historic seats in Hampshire and Yorkshire. Related to the Dukes of Manchester. 25. Fleming Scottish bankers and financiers. Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, came from this family line – itself wealthy and well-connected. How to explore your family's fortunes Whether your name is on the list or just sounds like it might be, it's never been easier to search your roots. With MyHeritage, you can: Start a free family tree and trace your ancestors Access over 35 billion historical records Take a DNA test and find genetic links to distant relatives Discover place-based records that match where your family once lived You never know what's hidden in your history – or how close you might be to one of Britain's great fortunes. This article was produced with the support of AI tools to assist in sourcing and structuring information. All content has been reviewed, verified and completed by a National World journalist prior to publication. Canva Is your surname a clue to Viking ancestry? Start tracing your Norse roots now £ 29.00 Buy now Buy now Think you're purely British? You might be surprised. Many people across the UK – especially in northern England, Scotland and coastal areas – still carry surnames with strong Viking origins, passed down from Norse settlers who didn't just raid, they stayed. Names like Gunn, Thoresen, Croft and Skene hint at a warrior past and a shared history stretching back over 1,000 years. We've listed 30 surnames with deep Viking links – check the full list in the article here. Want to take things further? MyHeritage DNA makes it easy to build your family tree and explore your ancestry. For just £33, you can uncover your genetic links to Scandinavia and the Viking age. Your surname might be just the beginning!
