Raspberries in the UK reach record sweetness levels, consolidating demand boom

The raspberry season in the United Kingdom is standing out for exceptional quality, with fruits registering sugar levels up to 50 percent higher than usual, as reported by industry body British Berry Growers, whose members supply over 95 percent of the berries sold in local retail.

According to the organization, this season's raspberries are reaching between 11 and 12 Brix, the index used to determine the sugar content in fruits and juices. With an historical average of nearly eight Brix, this reflects a significant increase in the fruit’s sweetness and organoleptic quality.

Producers have a combination of particularly favorable weather conditions to thank. A prolonged mild spring allowed berry plants to develop robust root systems and greater leaf area, while also preventing premature heat stress. Subsequently, warmer temperatures favored a slow and uniform ripening of the fruits.

The result? Raspberries with an intense red color and a sweeter flavor profile that pleasantly complements the characteristic acidity of the fruit.

An outstanding season for British berries

The news follows the good performance of British strawberries, whose sales reached record figures during the May bank holiday, with over 450 million units sold in a single week.

Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, noted that the current raspberry season is showing outstanding results.

"The arrival of the British raspberry season is always an anticipated moment, and this year our growers are cultivating an extraordinary harvest thanks to careful management," he said.

Marston added that the same weather conditions that boosted strawberry success are now favoring raspberries.

"Our growers are harvesting fruit of exceptional quality and flavor. It seems the British berry summer is getting sweeter and sweeter," he stated.

Producers highlight raspberry quality and size

Specialists point out that this season's climate has been especially beneficial for cultivation. 

According to the British government’s weather service, the UK experienced one of its driest Aprils in recent years, with sunny days and cool nighttime temperatures. Added to subsequent unusually warm nights and episodes of high daytime temperatures in May, the weather contributed greatly to the fruit's healthy development.

Lochy Porter, Co-Founder of Angus Soft Fruits, emphasized that results are unusual. 

"I've been growing raspberries for 35 years, and rarely have I seen Brix readings like this year's. The cool spring perfectly prepared the plants, and then the sun arrived exactly at the right time," he noted in statements collected by British Berry Growers.

For his part, George Beedell, Business Development Director at WB Chambers in Kent, explained that the slower start to the season allowed for a higher sugar accumulation. 

"The berries are arriving from the field exceptionally sweet. Furthermore, they had more time to develop, so they are also larger than usual. It's a season that could be described as historic," he noted.

Demand for raspberries grows in the UK

The good production momentum coincides with strong consumption growth. 

Raspberry sales registered year-on-year increases of over 33 percent in major British supermarket chains such as Sainsbury's, Lidl, and Ocado during 2025.

Part of this climb is related to the trend known as “fibremaxxing,” focused on increasing daily fiber intake. Raspberries are recognized as one of the natural sources with the highest dietary fiber content among fresh fruits.

Currently, British raspberries are already available in the country's main supermarket chains, consolidating a season that promises to become one of the most outstanding in recent years.

*All images by Simon Price, courtesy of British Berry Growers. 

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