Latest news with #MallingCentenary
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Wimbledon's top strawberry faces juicy competition
Malling Centenary is known for its sweetness and size. Photo: Reuters It may be the top seed at Wimbledon but even the reigning king of strawberries knows the crown sits lightly. The Malling Centenary berry has reigned supreme since being introduced at The Championships in 2016, sweetening summer rituals and picnics alike at the All England Club. Yet in the fields and labs, a new crop of challengers is ripening. In the high-stakes world of soft fruit supremacy, flavour, firmness and fame are all up for grabs. The Malling Centenary variety is known for its sweetness, "heart-shaped" size, and quality of taste, according to Joe Furber, Food and Drinks Operations Manager at Wimbledon. Weeks of sunshine and a "bumper crop" in the UK have helped produce an excess of strawberries, meaning Furber expects around 2.5 million of them, or 5,000 tonnes, alongside 13,000 litres of cream to be consumed during the Wimbledon fortnight. This year, a portion of 10 Malling Centenary strawberries with cream costs two pounds and seventy pence after the first price increase (20 pence) since 2010. The strawberries are grown in polytunnels by Hugh Lowe Farms, a family-owned business in Kent, just 31 miles from the All England Club, picked and delivered each morning at 8.30am. "Their best time aligns perfectly with the championships, which is quite fortuitous, which is a big part of why they were chosen," Furber said. But like every champion, it cannot afford to rest on its laurels as contenders lurk to seize the strawberry crown. The Summer Berry Company, based at Groves Farm near Chichester, told Reuters the variety landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and that it has reduced its production of Malling Centenary over the years. "I love Malling Centenary, I'm in no way saying it's a bad variety. I'm just saying that there's a new generation of varieties we're bringing to the market," commercial director Jack Darnes said. Summer Berry, which uses robotics and artificial intelligence technology to help with the harvesting process, grows varieties including Fandango, Karima and Florice, which Darnes said are larger and sweeter. "With Malling Centenary three or four days later they're still okay, with the new varieties you can survive even longer — six to seven days. So it's reducing waste, it's a better product for the end consumer," he said. "We hope one day there's going to be a new summer berry variety that people at Wimbledon are going to be consuming even better than Malling Centenary." The UK produces 120,000 tonnes of strawberries each year, generating retail sales of up to 700 million pounds, said Darnes.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wimbledon's love affair with strawberries & cream since 1877
Strawberries and cream have been an integral part of Wimbledon tradition since the tournament's inception in 1877. What began as a simple seasonal refreshment has become an iconic part of the tennis experience, symbolizing the charm and elegance of the All England Club . Served fresh and in generous portions with a dollop of fresh cream, the treat is enjoyed by thousands of fans each year, especially under the summer sun. More than just a delicious treat, strawberries at Wimbledon carry rich symbolic meaning. They represent the arrival of British summer and serve as a tribute to the tournament's deep-rooted heritage. The tradition of enjoying strawberries and cream courtside has evolved into a beloved ritual, offering fans and even stars present at Royal Box a unique experience that captures the essence of Wimbledon. — StarSportsIndia (@StarSportsIndia) Live Events Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and the only Grand Slam, third out of four, still played on outdoor grass courts - the sport's original surface. The Malling Centenary strawberry has reigned supreme at Wimbledon since 2016, becoming a staple of the tournament's summer charm. Celebrated for its exceptional sweetness, distinctive heart-shaped size, and superior flavor, this particular variety has become the berry of choice at the All England Club. Reuters People queue to buy strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. (REUTERS/Toby Melville) According to Joe Furber , Wimbledon's Food and Drink Operations Manager, the Malling Centenary strawberry perfectly complements the event's rich traditions. Furber anticipates that approximately 2.5 million strawberries will be enjoyed during the Wimbledon fortnight, accompanied by around 13,000 litres of cream. It's a tradition as timeless as the tournament itself - fans at Wimbledon are expected to enjoy around 2.5 million strawberries and 13,000 litres of cream over the fortnight. That's 5,000 tonnes of sweet, juicy summer fruit helping to create one of sport's most cherished rituals.
Asharq Al-Awsat
01-07-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Wimbledon's Strawberry Champion Faces Rivals for Its Crown
It may be the top seed at Wimbledon but even the reigning king of strawberries knows the crown sits lightly. The Malling Centenary berry has reigned supreme since being introduced at The Championships in 2016, sweetening summer rituals and picnics alike at the All England Club. Yet in the fields and labs, a new crop of challengers is ripening. In the high-stakes world of soft fruit supremacy, flavor, firmness and fame are all up for grabs. The Malling Centenary variety is known for its sweetness, "heart-shaped" size, and quality of taste, according to Joe Furber, Food and Drinks Operations Manager at Wimbledon. Weeks of sunshine and a "bumper crop" in the UK have helped produce an excess of strawberries, meaning Furber expects around 2.5 million of them, or 5,000 tons, alongside 13,000 liters of cream to be consumed during the Wimbledon fortnight. This year, a portion of 10 Malling Centenary strawberries with cream costs two pounds and seventy pence ($3.70) after the first price increase (20 pence) since 2010. The strawberries are grown in polytunnels by Hugh Lowe Farms, a family-owned business in Kent, just 31 miles from the All England Club, picked and delivered each morning at 8:30am. "Their best time aligns perfectly with the championships, which is quite fortuitous, which is a big part of why they were chosen," Furber said. But like every champion, it cannot afford to rest on its laurels as contenders lurk to seize the strawberry crown. The Summer Berry Company, based at Groves Farm near Chichester, told Reuters the variety landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and that it has reduced its production of Malling Centenary over the years. "I love Malling Centenary, I'm in no way saying it's a bad variety. I'm just saying that there's a new generation of varieties we're bringing to the market," Commercial Director Jack Darnes said. Summer Berry, which uses robotics and artificial intelligence technology to help with the harvesting process, grows varieties including Fandango, Karima and Florice, which Darnes said are larger and sweeter. "With Malling Centenary three or four days later they're still okay, with the new varieties you can survive even longer - six to seven days. So it's reducing waste, it's a better product for the end consumer," he said. "We hope one day there's going to be a new summer berry variety that people at Wimbledon are going to be consuming even better than Malling Centenary," he added. Malling Centenary does not suffer the same fate as its predecessor, the Elsanta Variety, which, according to Darnes, is no longer produced in the UK. The UK produces 120,000 tons of strawberries each year, generating retail sales of up to 700 million pounds, said Darnes. The global market is estimated at about 10,000,000 tons, with a value of $20 billion, according to German agriculture company Bayer.
Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Wimbledon's strawberry champion faces rivals for its crown
Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - June 30, 2025 A spectator holds a box of strawberries and creams at Wimbledon REUTERS/Toby Melville Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - June 30, 2025 Punnets of strawberries ahead of day one of Wimbledon REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - June 30, 2025 A member of the catering staff carries a box of strawberries for sale at Wimbledon REUTERS/Toby Melville Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - June 30, 2025 Boxes and punnets of strawberries are seen in the ground ahead of day one of Wimbledon REUTERS/Toby Melville TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY LONDON - It may be the top seed at Wimbledon but even the reigning king of strawberries knows the crown sits lightly. The Malling Centenary berry has reigned supreme since being introduced at The Championships in 2016, sweetening summer rituals and picnics alike at the All England Club. Yet in the fields and labs, a new crop of challengers is ripening. In the high-stakes world of soft fruit supremacy, flavour, firmness and fame are all up for grabs. The Malling Centenary variety is known for its sweetness, 'heart-shaped' size, and quality of taste, according to Joe Furber, Food and Drinks Operations Manager at Wimbledon. Weeks of sunshine and a "bumper crop" in the UK have helped produce an excess of strawberries, meaning Furber expects around 2.5 million of them, or 5,000 tonnes, alongside 13,000 litres of cream to be consumed during the Wimbledon fortnight. This year, a portion of 10 Malling Centenary strawberries with cream costs two pounds and seventy pence ($3.70) after the first price increase (20 pence) since 2010. The strawberries are grown in polytunnels by Hugh Lowe Farms, a family-owned business in Kent, just 31 miles from the All England Club, picked and delivered each morning at 8:30am. 'Their best time aligns perfectly with the championships, which is quite fortuitous, which is a big part of why they were chosen,' Furber said. But like every champion, it cannot afford to rest on its laurels as contenders lurk to seize the strawberry crown. The Summer Berry Company, based at Groves Farm near Chichester, told Reuters the variety landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and that it has reduced its production of Malling Centenary over the years. 'I love Malling Centenary, I'm in no way saying it's a bad variety. I'm just saying that there's a new generation of varieties we're bringing to the market,' Commercial Director Jack Darnes said. Summer Berry, which uses robotics and artificial intelligence technology to help with the harvesting process, grows varieties including Fandango, Karima and Florice, which Darnes said are larger and sweeter. 'With Malling Centenary three or four days later they're still okay, with the new varieties you can survive even longer - six to seven days. So it's reducing waste, it's a better product for the end consumer,' he said. 'We hope one day there's going to be a new summer berry variety that people at Wimbledon are going to be consuming even better than Malling Centenary,' he added. Malling Centenary does not suffer the same fate as its predecessor, the Elsanta Variety, which, according to Darnes, is no longer produced in the UK. The UK produces 120,000 tonnes of strawberries each year, generating retail sales of up to 700 million pounds, said Darnes. The global market is estimated at about 10,000,000 tonnes, with a value of $20 billion, according to German agriculture company Bayer. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CNA
30-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Wimbledon's strawberry champion faces rivals for its crown
LONDON :It may be the top seed at Wimbledon but even the reigning king of strawberries knows the crown sits lightly. The Malling Centenary berry has reigned supreme since being introduced at The Championships in 2016, sweetening summer rituals and picnics alike at the All England Club. Yet in the fields and labs, a new crop of challengers is ripening. In the high-stakes world of soft fruit supremacy, flavour, firmness and fame are all up for grabs. The Malling Centenary variety is known for its sweetness, 'heart-shaped' size, and quality of taste, according to Joe Furber, Food and Drinks Operations Manager at Wimbledon. Weeks of sunshine and a "bumper crop" in the UK have helped produce an excess of strawberries, meaning Furber expects around 2.5 million of them, or 5,000 tonnes, alongside 13,000 litres of cream to be consumed during the Wimbledon fortnight. This year, a portion of 10 Malling Centenary strawberries with cream costs two pounds and seventy pence ($3.70) after the first price increase (20 pence) since 2010. The strawberries are grown in polytunnels by Hugh Lowe Farms, a family-owned business in Kent, just 31 miles from the All England Club, picked and delivered each morning at 8:30am. 'Their best time aligns perfectly with the championships, which is quite fortuitous, which is a big part of why they were chosen,' Furber said. But like every champion, it cannot afford to rest on its laurels as contenders lurk to seize the strawberry crown. The Summer Berry Company, based at Groves Farm near Chichester, told Reuters the variety landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and that it has reduced its production of Malling Centenary over the years. 'I love Malling Centenary, I'm in no way saying it's a bad variety. I'm just saying that there's a new generation of varieties we're bringing to the market,' Commercial Director Jack Darnes said. Summer Berry, which uses robotics and artificial intelligence technology to help with the harvesting process, grows varieties including Fandango, Karima and Florice, which Darnes said are larger and sweeter. 'With Malling Centenary three or four days later they're still okay, with the new varieties you can survive even longer - six to seven days. So it's reducing waste, it's a better product for the end consumer,' he said. 'We hope one day there's going to be a new summer berry variety that people at Wimbledon are going to be consuming even better than Malling Centenary,' he added. Malling Centenary does not suffer the same fate as its predecessor, the Elsanta Variety, which, according to Darnes, is no longer produced in the UK. The UK produces 120,000 tonnes of strawberries each year, generating retail sales of up to 700 million pounds, said Darnes. The global market is estimated at about 10,000,000 tonnes, with a value of $20 billion, according to German agriculture company Bayer. ($1 = 0.7289 pounds)
