The UK strawberry season is in the very early stages, with most regions running behind. At Asplins Producer's Organisation they don't have a lot of growers who grow in glass houses but those who do have some fruit at the moment.
"We have a grower in Kent who just started to pick the first fruit from his tunnels this week. The weather in Kent has been slightly better than in other parts of the country and we are a bit further forward that we'd expected," said Chris Rose, COO at Asplins.
Chris said they are still a couple of weeks later than a 'normal' season, but around the same as last year.
"We have had a mild winter, but it is the lack of sunlight which really slows the plants down. If we get some sunny weather the fruit will really come on."
Demand is good in the UK just now, but according to Chris the quality of some imported fruit is suffering and there is an overall shortage. This does not however, mean better returns for the growers as most prices have already been agreed.
For more information:
Chris Rose
Asplins Producer Organisation
Tel: +44 1795 594811
Email: commercial@asplinspo.com