The Blackcurrant Foundation, representing 36 growers, reports an anticipated yield of over 11,600 tonnes for this year's blackcurrant crop in the UK, despite adverse weather conditions. Challenges included an exceptionally wet winter in Kent, with 1109.6 mm of rain recorded by the end of May, and insufficient winter chill for older blackcurrant varieties in most regions, excluding Scotland.
However, favourable weather in July 2023 facilitated extension growth in the bushes, contributing to this year's harvest. The introduction of new climate-resilient varieties like Ben Lui and Ben Macdui has also been beneficial, with their first significant harvests showing very promising early yields and quality. Over 90% of the UK's blackcurrants are used in Ribena, with the remainder distributed across supermarkets and incorporated into various products, including frozen formats and beverages.
Jo Hilditch, chairperson at the Blackcurrant Foundation, highlighted the size and sugar content of this year's berries but expressed concerns over climate change impacting farming practices. Simon Hill from Suntory GB&I noted the spring weather provided good growing conditions, and recent wet weather, despite affecting fruit sugar levels, resulted in high yields.
Source: farminguk.com