The fruit has enjoyed record-breaking sales, and this summer, is predicted to reach in excess of £32 million as demand keeps growing
The British cherry season is well and truly underway with a record breaking 4,500 tonnes of the sumptuous fruit predicted to be produced in 2015. And it seems that the younger generation of savvy farmers are tapping into this ever-growing industry.
The stonefruit has had record-breaking sales, and this summer, is predicted to reach in excess of £32 million while demand continues to grow.
In 2014, 4,000 tonnes of cherries were produced, a 20 per cent increase from the previous year.
Making the most of the fruits ever-growing popularity an increasing number of younger farmers are beginning to harvest the fruit. An audit conducted by the British cherry industry body found that the average age of farmers in the UK is 57 while cherry growers are nearly a decade younger at 47.5.
Cherry farmers are now at the forefront of farming innovation and more and more work is being done to extend the short British season. This can be seen in the move from towering cherry trees to smaller trees with dwarfing rootstock, often grown in polytunnels, which has made a huge difference to the industry’s fortunes.
To date, less than 10 per cent of the predicted 4,500 tonnes has been picked and last week (w/c 13 July) is tipped to be the biggest for cherry production. The juicy fruit will be adorning supermarket shelves up and down the country until early September for consumers to enjoy.
One of the young British farmers helping to turn around the fortune of the stonefruit is Tom Hulme, 37, who is now growing world-class cherries well beyond the traditional season.
He said: “We just can’t keep up with demand, which is encouraging as you know nothing is going to waste.
“The tunnels protect the cherries from the worst of the British summer and the dwarf trees make the fruits easier to pick, manage and protect from birds.”
Berry Gardens MD, Nicholas Marston, added: “It seems to be the farmer’s sons and daughters who are branching out in to the cherry market as they’re keen to do something different, and, as they’re just starting out, they’re not concerned about making a long-term investment.
“These young farmers are full of youthful enthusiasm which is resulting in larger crops that are in turn boosting the UK economy.”
Cherry fans can get their hands on a number of varieties that ripen at different times in the season. Merchant cherries are available now, and can be distinguished by their dark red skin and large size, followed by others including exclusive English variety Penny, alongside Kordia and Sweetheart, which ripens towards the end of the season.