Britain’s berry harvest is running 6% above last year’s crop, according to British Berry Growers (BBG), despite five heatwaves, drought, and water shortages during the summer.

With two-thirds of the harvest completed, volumes of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries have been higher. BBG said most UK berry production takes place under polytunnels using drip irrigation, which has helped growers manage the hot, dry conditions.

“The hot weather could reduce the size of fruit as berries ripen sooner, but the industry had a good start to the season with a dull April and May, and berries remained within supermarket specifications,” said BBG chair Nick Marston.

However, late-season strawberry production could slow in early autumn after plants carried heavier crops during the heatwave. Blackcurrant production is expected to be down 10%.

Growers have invested in water infrastructure, including winter storage reservoirs and computer-controlled drip irrigation systems. However, around 40% of berry producers do not have a reservoir or licensed borehole, leaving them more dependent on mains water or river abstraction licences.

“The drought conditions mean it is absolutely accurate that some farms are starting to struggle if they are reliant on mains water,” Marston said.

Planning restrictions for on-farm reservoirs were eased this month. Marston said further changes to river abstraction licensing could allow growers to take more water during winter for storage and use during drier periods.

The berry results contrast with conditions in other UK crops.

BBG sees potential for UK berry production to expand as supplying regions in southern Spain and North Africa also face water shortages and higher temperatures.