Berry Gardens is pleased to report that its combined January/February market share of UK retailers raspberry sales has proved what research and retailer taste panels have always indicted with the quality of the berries growing. Berry Gardens’ share of the market rose from 25% in 2011 to 40% in 2012.  

Managing director Nick Marston said “Driscoll’s raspberry varieties from Morocco, Spain and South Africa deliver superb tasting berries to the consumer on a consistent basis, whilst guaranteeing great appearance and shelf life as well. They have revolutionized non UK season raspberry supply, delivering the same great taste in winter as we have been delivering in the summer months. Driscoll’s mission is to deliver delight to consumers and recent developments in year round raspberry production mean between Driscolls and Berry Gardens we can delight consumers year round, in volumes which are being increased rapidly enough to satisfy all demand. ”

The increasing volumes required to achieve this near doubling of share have been driven by increases in production from the Agadir area of Morocco, accompanied by existing production in Spain and South Africa. After research and trials over several years, Driscoll’s came to the conclusion that the combination of winter sunshine and ideal soils of Agadir are perfect for production of winter raspberries. The area grown is now expanding annually to meet a burgeoning demand from the UK and all of mainland Europe.

Consumers appear to be voting with their taste buds as Driscoll’s raspberries dominate overall sales in stores across the UK.    

-ENDS-

Editor Contact
Darren Laws
Zest ST
01634 672874
Darren.laws@thinkzest.com

About Berry Gardens

Based in Kent, Berry Gardens is one of the UK’s premier soft fruit and stone fruit suppliers. Founded over 39 years ago, Berry Gardens is the UK’s leading berry and stone fruit production and marketing group with sales in 2011 of £200 million, a market share in excess of 30%  and a year round business supplying all of Britain’s leading retailers.

As a co-operative, Berry Gardens is wholly owned by UK growers making the Berry Gardens proposition unique in the UK agricultural market.