Cherries are bringing satisfaction to British growers

UK cherry sales have risen in both volume and value over the past year, with producers optimisticabout the category’s future.

Cherries were among the strongest performers in this year’s FPJ Big 50 Products, jumping two placesto 24th. Value rose by 14.7 per cent and volume by 8.6 per cent, according to the latest Kantar fi gures.

James Miller, managing director at Mansfi elds, part of the Greosn group, said growth was being drivenby demand for premium, British-grown fruit and increasing recognition of its quality.

British cherry growth

British cherries have also become a seasonal event, with retailers promoting their provenance,freshness and fl avour.

“With further investment underway and developments in the pipeline, we see signifi cant opportunitiesto increase production, extend the British season and grow the category,” said Miller.

Matt Jarrett, group CEO of greosn, said investment in advanced growing systems, protected productionand new genetics was delivering signifi cant improvements in quality and consistency.

The group is already seeing better quality and stronger results year on year. Norton Cherries, part ofMansfi elds and the wider greosn group, has received numerous awards this year and named BestCherry Orchard and Best Overall Orchard for Stone Fruit by the East Kent Fruit Society.

Orchard recognition

“This recognition shows the value of investing in orchard management, innovation and genetics toimprove fruit quality and grower performance,” said Jarrett.

The judges praised the orchard’s presentation and high standards of management. Farm managerMilush Petrov and his team were central to the achievement, with their expertise and attention todetail helping supply consistently high-quality fruit to retailers.

The awards reinforce the groups reputation as a leading producer in oneof the UK’s key fruit-growing regions. And while rising labour, transportand production costs remain challenging, consumer demand for cherrieshas so far proved resilient.

Industry challenges

“The industry’s biggest challenges remain weather volatility and risingproduction costs,” said Miller. “Cherries are a highly skilled crop to grow,requiring signifi cant investment and expertise, while securing a reliableseasonal workforce also remains critical.

However, through collaborationacross the industry and ongoing investment in innovation, we areworking to overcome these challenges and realise the full potential ofBritish cherries in the years ahead.”

Image source: Stefano Lugli

Tom Joyce
Fruitnet

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