Aldi expects blackberry sales to increase by 20 per cent this upcoming season and is partnering closely with its suppliers to introduce a sweeter variant.

The discounter sold over 228 tonnes last year and has pledged to bring sweeter British-grown blackberries to shelves from next month.

The blackberries which are stocked will be 100 per cent British grown, which aims to offer shoppers access to homegrown fruit over the summer.

Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “We expect our blackberries to taste better than ever this season.

“By working closely with our British suppliers to improve sweetness and consistency, we’re making sure customers can enjoy the very best of homegrown fruit and keep coming back for more.”

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The British blackberries are set to arrive in selected stores from the beginning of May and will roll out nationwide on 21 May.

James Crook, customer development director at Aldi supplier Driscoll’s, said: “Exceptional flavour is the result of years of dedicated natural breeding and selecting only the finest blackberry varieties.

“By working closely with Aldi, we are able to grow and harvest fruit at the optimal moment.”

This move comes after the discount retailer recently announced plans to increase the number of long-term agreements with UK produce and horticulture suppliers.

Aldi plans to secure at least 50 per cent of its domestic produce through long-term partnerships by the end of 2027.