The unpredictable British weather has changed the game for strawberry growers this year. A wet and gloomy winter has resulted in a delayed harvest, but the delayed ripening period has led to bigger and more flavorful fruits. This summer, fans of the sport may be treated to not just the usual but also juicier strawberries at Wimbledon.
Growers across the country have faced challenging conditions, with 11 named storms since September. Many farms have been affected, leaving crops damaged and fields unable to be planted. However, those strawberry crops grown under polytunnels have been protected from the harsh weather, allowing them to thrive.
This week, British-grown strawberries that are between 28mm and 40mm in size will start appearing on store shelves, and they will continue to be available throughout the summer. Strawberries, along with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, remain the most popular fruit item in shoppers’ baskets, accounting for a 28% market share of all fruit sold in the UK.
Over the past year, British consumers have spent a record £847m on strawberries, according to Kantar figures. This demand is likely to be met by the larger-than-usual strawberries, which are expected to satisfy customers’ cravings. The slower ripening period has allowed flavors to develop, and the expected bigger size will provide a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor.
Wimbledon SummerWhile the delayed harvest may have been a challenge for growers, it has ultimately resulted in a better product for consumers. The British Berry Growers’ chair, Nick Marston, is excited about the prospects, stating that this will be a fantastic year for British strawberries. He believes that the larger fruits will be particularly juicy and flavorful.
However, post-Brexit rules have made it more complicated to export British strawberries to the EU. Since 2020, strawberry exports to the continent have dropped by 79%. This is due to the requirement for a phytosanitary health certificate, which can take four days to issue, whereas retailers usually place their orders 48 hours in advance. The delay has made it challenging for farmers to send their products to the EU, making it trickier for European consumers to get their hands on the juicier fruits.
Despite the obstacles, Marston has met with the farming minister, Mark Spencer, to expedite the process. He hopes that this will make it easier for British farmers to export their strawberries to the EU, but for the time being, fans of Wimbledon may need to look no further than British stores to enjoy the juicier fruits.