British cherry yield reaches record levels due to warm weather

In the UK, the ongoing warm weather has led to the largest cherry harvest seen in at least three years, positively affecting both growers and consumers. The warmest spring on record has allowed cherries to be picked at their peak ripeness, resulting in an abundance of high-quality fruit. Place UK, a prominent cherry supplier based in Tunstead, Norfolk, has reported that the recent heatwaves have resulted in an unexpected production increase of approximately 10 to 15 percent compared to previous seasons. As a response to the increased yield, major supermarket Tesco has introduced larger packs of cherries for sale. The new offerings include 600g and 1kg pack sizes, priced at £4.50 and £6 respectively, which the supermarket claims provide better value for shoppers. This strategic decision aims to support British growers while ensuring that consumers enjoy fresh, home-grown cherries. Dan Yordanov, head of fresh at Place UK, stated that he is grateful for Tesco's action that helps reduce waste while delivering nutritious cherries to consumers across the nation. Given the abnormally high yield, Tesco has also emphasized the exceptional quality of cherries produced this year, characterized by their plumpness, firm texture, and sweet yet slightly tart flavor. The changes in the UK cherry industry over the past two decades have helped growers achieve more productive yields. Many British farmers have adopted the use of dwarf rootstock grafted onto innovative tree varieties to cultivate cherries. These smaller trees can thrive in plastic tunnels that create a favorable microclimate to protect them from unpredictable British weather. In turn, this allows for more manageable harvesting by workers without the need for ladders, promoting lower production costs and enabling British cherries to compete effectively in the market. With an estimated 8,000 tonnes of cherries set to be harvested this year, that is approximately four times the amount picked in 2018. This substantial production is a testament to the evolving agricultural practices within the UK cherry industry, which have been driven by increased efficiency, favorable weather conditions, and a greater commitment from retailers like Tesco to support local growers and provide fresh produce to consumers.