A leading retailer's fruit buyer is calling for increased production from UK growers.
Speaking at an industry workshop Marks and Spencer fruit buyer Stuart Stubbins said English raspberry growers needed to grow more produce to meet demand. He projected that the chain needed an additional 400-600 tonnes in May/June, and a similar amount when the crop begins to switch to autumn fruiting varieties in July/August.
He said: "UK growers are simply not satisfying the potential market, which could easily be doubled."
He was also critical of some of the varieties being grown commercially such as Prosen, Clova, Leo, Heritage and Bliss. The favourites are Ample, Tulameen, and Driscoll's Sweet Briar.


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