In the United Kingdom, the 2025 cherry season is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years: agronomic innovations and an ideal spring climate have led to an unprecedented harvest for British growers.
In the heart of Kent, a region symbolic of English agriculture, the company AC Hulme, led by Tom Hulme, is reporting remarkable results: cherry production has doubled compared to five years ago, and the harvest season will extend for a full 10 weeks, twice as long as in the past.
This is thanks to the adoption of advanced cultivation techniques, such as the use of dwarf rootstocks and new varieties better suited to the British climate. “The British cherry industry is undergoing a major renewal. New cultivars allow us to extend the growing season and improve both the quality and taste of the fruit,” explains Hulme.
To extend the harvest window, the company introduced early varieties like Sweet Aryana and Grace Star, along with late-season cultivars, ensuring a longer availability of fresh cherries.
But it’s not just about genetics: post-harvest technologies also play a crucial role. Environmental control, through polytunnels and climate-controlled chambers, helps extend shelf life and ensures top quality for consumers.
Nature has also lent a hand: “We’ve had ideal spring weather conditions,” says Hulme, “and we expect a long season with some of the best fruit in recent years.”
AC Hulme is not an isolated case. According to Tesco estimates, this year British growers will reach a total production of around 8,000 tonnes of cherries—four times more than in 2018 and an impressive 14 times higher than in 2015, when the harvest totaled just 559 tonnes.
Supermarket chain Tesco, through buyer Olivia Amey, emphasized how the sunny weather has had a decisive impact on quality and the early start of the season. “Thanks to longer daylight hours and favorable temperatures, we’ll be able to meet summer demand with only British-grown cherries starting from early July.”
A positive signal for the entire sector, confirming that innovation and climate adaptation are bearing fruit—in the truest sense of the word.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Image source: PA Media
19 Dec 2025
Cracking in sweet cherry fruit can lead to total crop loss. A Ukrainian study highlights genetic and morphological causes, showing how variety and ripening time affect split types. Cultivars like Mliivska žovta, Mirazh and Amazonka showed the best resilience.
23 May 2024
As of 1 May, cherry production for the 2024 marketing year was estimated at 37,700 tonnes, an increase of 12% year-on-year and 23% year-on-year. The survey covers 3 regions, representing 81% of the national production in 2023.
29 Apr 2026
A Chinese study examines anthocyanin stability in different cherry species during puree processing, highlighting how chemical structure and processing stages affect pigment loss and the overall quality of the final product.
29 Apr 2026
In Chile, the Check Fast Cherry system shows that Botrytis is more aggressive than Alternaria on cherry flowers and fruits. The 48-hour rapid test detects infections in real time and identifies new fungal species, supporting more effective disease control strategies.
