A recent survey from the British Berry Growers organisation shows that a third of the country’s berry growers are considering either scaling back operations or leaving the sector totally.
Only 48% of growers report they are currently making a profit with rising production costs placing a strain on the sector. The data from BBG suggests that if these trends continue, up to 40% of growers could exit the industry by the end of 2026.
The body is urging both retailers and government to act to include:
- Ensuring growers receive fair returns that reflect rising production costs.
- Extending the seasonal worker visa scheme from six to nine months to secure labour through the full season.
- Simplifying export procedures so UK growers can access opportunities beyond domestic supply.
The UK berry sector, valued at over £1.8 billion in retail sales, supplies the vast majority of fresh berries consumed domestically. A large exit of growers would not only impact domestic supply but could reduce variety, increase import reliance and weaken the UK’s horticultural resilience.