Fruit-loving Brits put on alert over blueberries and strawberries at supermarkets
Brits who love incorporating tasty fruits into their meals have been put on alert this summer. People who go to Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Marks and Spencer for their food should take note of the latest positive update.
Blueberries are thriving due to the warmest spring on record, with the harvest increasing by nearly a quarter so far this year, reports suggest.
Approximately 5,133 tonnes are anticipated by the end of August, an increase from almost 4,187 tonnes at the same time last year. Sales of the round fruit have also risen by nine per cent year-on-year, according to fruit specialists and grocery analysts across the country.
Those in the industry have said that the current crop is well ahead of schedule. This means Brits can enjoy "excellent" size and flavour from their favourite fruits, reports Birmingham Live.
Daniel Martin, the group commercial director at S&A Produce, comments: "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, the 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, the chair of the industry body British Berry Growers, said that all UK berry crops, including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, were up by about 25 per cent.
"The weather has been very beneficial for all berry crops," he said.
This follows a similar announcement two months ago, indicating that strawberries at Tesco, Sainsbury's, and M&S were on track for an exceptional yield.
Bartosz Pinkosz of the Summer Berry Company, which supplies major retailers, previously alerted UK households that his West Sussex farm was producing berries so large you "cannot fit in your mouth".
Speaking to The Guardian two months ago, Mr Pinkosz stated: "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." He added that recent weather had been "phenomenal" for the berries.
For those who fancy choosing their own berries rather than heading to their nearest supermarket, some of the best spots in Scotland for strawberry picking have been named.
Cairnie Fruit Farm in Cupar, Fife, topped the list thanks to its 45 acres of fruit fields that offers visitors the chance to pick a range of summer favourites, including strawberries, raspberries, cherries and blackcurrants.
Making up the top three were Craigies Farming Deli and Cafe in South Queensferry and Charleton Farm in Montrose, Angus.
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