Please find below all of the latest news from British Berry Growers.
If you would like more information, please contact Sunny Side Up Comms on 07966 521779 or britishberrygrowers@sunnysideupcomms.co.uk
Growers say 2026 could be “sweetest year ever”. British blackberries are tasting extra sweet this year, with growers reporting that this summer's exceptional heat has intensified the fruit's natural sugars - a welcome surprise for shoppers who still think of...
Years of investment in water resilience are helping British berry growers withstand one of the hottest and driest summers on record, but industry leaders say barriers to further investment must now be removed to protect future UK food production. British Berry...
British blueberry growers are welcoming an extra sweet crop this season, with cutting-edge technology helping them meet soaring consumer demand for the berries. As shoppers increasingly seek out larger, more flavourful fruit, growers are investing in everything from...
British raspberries are measuring up to 50% sweeter than usual according to growers, after a warm spell followed cooler spring temperatures. The raspberries this season are testing at sugar levels of 11 to 12 on the Brix scale, compared with average readings of around...
Government restrictions limit unhealthy food and drink products being advertised on TV before 9pm and through paid online advertising ‘Fresh Outlook on Food’ campaign says similar restrictions should now apply to the streets Comes as new research finds 91% of children...
Cooler spring temperatures have delayed the start of British strawberry season this year, but growers say the wait will be rewarded with berries packed with exceptional flavour. According to British Berry Growers, the cooler spring slowed the ripening process,...
British Berry Growers has highlighted significant new cost pressures facing UK soft fruit producers, following further global market disruption since early March. Initial analysis, based on grower data compiled by Andersons Farm Business Consultants, shows substantial...
British Berry Growers (BBG) has announced the appointment of Ali Capper as its new chair, with onboarding to start in July 2026, followed by a formal role start in November 2026. Ali will succeed Nick Marston, the current chair of BBG, who announced his planned...
Nick Marston, Chairman of the British Berry Growers Association, commented: "The conflict in the Middle East is certainly having a knock on effect on the costs faced by British berry growers. External transport costs are rising as hauliers link their rates to the...
This International Women's Day, the theme is ‘Give to Gain’ which, in essence, encourages women to invest in the success of others, as well as themselves, to ensure the collective advancement of women. And this resonates with the message from the women of...
Mr Marston will help guide the process of sourcing and appointing his successor to lead the industry body, which represents more than 95 percent of British berries sold in the UK. Mr Marston was appointed Chairman in November 2017 and has been a long-standing...
New grower audit reveals underlying fears despite strong 2025 crop An audit conducted among more than 40 of Britain’s leading berry growers shows an industry at a crossroads with some reporting improving confidence while others share increased pessimism. ...
London, UK: 16 September 2025: British Berry Growers (BBG), the organisation representing 95% of the UK’s commercial soft fruit growers, has today published its Sustainability Report 2025, showcasing how the industry is leading the way in sustainable farming...
British blackberry season is underway and thriving, as UK growers encourage consumers to consider the ‘unsung heroes’ of the berry world more often, with the category showing huge growth potential. British Berry Growers, the industry body representing 95% of British...
British Berry Growers, together with the NFU (National Farmers' Union), have co-signed a letter to the Secretary of State, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, urging the government to support increased fruit and vegetable growth across the UK, a crucial step in addressing the...
We see ongoing domestic market growth driven by consumers moving away, at scale, from UPFs (like sweetened breakfast cereals and sticky sugary cereal bars) in to fresh, healthy fruit. This won’t change – it’s not a fad or a fashion. The British climate means we are...
Every child deserves to start the day nourished, focused, and ready to learn. That’s why we’ve launched the National Children’s Breakfast Charter. This is about more than food - it’s about giving every child a strong start to their day. A recent survey commissioned by...
Parents are concerned about the quality of their children’s school breakfasts saying that they often fall short of providing the essential nutrients needed for a healthy and productive start to the day, according to new research. Despite 78% of parents admitting...
British strawberries are set to be sweeter and more shapely this season owing to unusually high sunshine levels1, which are the highest recorded in over 100 years according to the Met Office. This spring has also seen exceptional pollination activity during March and...
We are in favour of the proposed Horticulture Sector Regulation, as we strongly believe that the current GSCOP framework does not adequately address the range of issues we are facing. A key advantage of the proposed regulation is its ability to apply across the entire...
British Berry Growers (BBG), the industry association for the growers of 95% of UK berry production, says the industry is facing ‘very real headwinds’. Launching a new in-depth industry analysis and report by EY, The British berry industry in focus, the association’s...
As the winter nights continue to bite and the flurry of winter illnesses shows no sign of slowing, people are looking for mood-boosting foods to help pack their plates with a healthy hit. Fresh berries , including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and...
British berry growers have warned of a tough year ahead as rising energy costs and wage increases continue to create challenging circumstances for fruit farmers in 2025. 85 percent of British growers previously recorded declines or a stagnation in revenue over a...
Background
BBG members make up the biggest crop group in UK horticulture, accounting for circa 30,000 of the Seasonal Workers’ Scheme (SWS) visas. Workers are generally based on one location for the period of employment in the UK – which is different to other short season crops within UK horticulture.
Despite resilience in the face of tough market conditions, berry growers have increasing concerns over the future of their industry, with nearly half of growers no longer profitable.
Co-op has been crowned retailer of the year by British Berry Growers at the crop association’s yearly retailer event in London.
Amidst the huge consumer demand for British berries there is concern over the industry’s viability with spiralling production costs and low retailer returns
British shop-bought blackberries are larger and sweeter than hedgerow varieties.
Grower techniques ensure that British blackberries are available from April until November, enjoying a 36-week season.
The berry industry is now worth £1.7 billion in retail sales year-round1 and is estimated to contribute £3.18 billion to the UK economy in the next five years.2
Pollination plans have helped create a robust British blueberry crop this year that has withstood the unseasonal weather.
Peak production is now underway (w/c 21 August).
The berry industry is now worth £1.7 billion in retail sales year-round1 and is estimated to contribute £3.18 billion to the UK economy in the next five years.2
Lidl tops the chart of major retailers as the most supportive of British berries, followed by Co-op, Aldi and Waitrose.
Asda is bottom of the list, just below Sainsbury’s, Iceland and Tesco – all buying significantly fewer British berries compared to their total grocery market shares.