UK heatwaves have created an excess of strawberry and cherry crops forcing farmers to sell crops at a cheaper rate than usual.
Surplus sunshine in Norfolk, Lancashire, Scotland and Herefordshire has led to extra growth for both fruits. According to Langdon Manor Farm managing director, Alastair Brooks explained the weather during spring through to the heatwave allowed for optimal growing conditions.
“Following a mild, settled spring, we have experienced prolonged sunshine, extra daylight, and very little rain in the last few weeks,” Brooks said.
“This has resulted in an abundance of healthy, perfectly ripe, extra sweet strawberries. After a wet jubilee weekend, we are excited to be able to finally celebrate the British strawberry season.”
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To handle excess berries, Tesco stepped in to prevent waste by selling strawberries in one-kilogram boxes at a discounted price.
Brooks added: “With a few extra tonnes of strawberries being available we are thankful for Tesco’s support at this time.
“It allows us to minimise wastage and get more of the very best, high-quality and nutritious Driscoll’s Zara strawberries packed, picked and distributed to stores ready for consumers to enjoy.”
Currently, 1kg boxes are available and will go on sale in more than 750 Tesco stores across the UK priced £4. Cherries will also be sold by the kilo for £5 in 850 stores.
Previously, regular 400g punnets of cherries cost £3 and a kilo would cost around £7.50.
Tesco berries buying manager Laura Mitchell added: “British shoppers are going through a tough time at the moment, and if there’s something that can put a big smile on faces right now, it’s being able to buy sweet, lush, British strawberries for less than normal.
“The heatwave has brought on the strawberries faster than expected with many growers seeing production about 10% to 15% higher than normal for this time of year. We’re very happy to help out our British growers.”
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