Strawberry sales hit €46m in 2007

THE value of strawberry sales in Ireland reached €46 million last year, an increase of 25% over the previous year.

The figures were released by Bord Bia yesterday at the launch of Ireland’s inaugural national strawberry week (June 2-8).

Organised by the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association in conjunction with Bord Bia, the week will celebrate the health and nutritional benefits of the red berry fruit.

The campaign aims to encourage consumers to enjoy more strawberries as they approach the summer season when Irish crops are at peak production.

National strawberry week will include a consumer information campaign, primary school activities and the launch of a dedicated interactive website to include seasonal recipe suggestions.

Mike Neary, manager of horticulture at Bord Bia, said with the promotion of healthy eating habits becoming ever more prevalent, the benefits of fruit consumption are being well advertised. This is generating increased consumer interest and demand for fresh fruit.

“Strawberries are an increasingly popular choice among consumers as a tasty, low calorie, convenient snack.

“We hope this campaign will encourage the public to eat more strawberries within the optimum Irish production season,” he said

Gary McCarthy of the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association, said 2007 was a great year for strawberry sales and this year looks set to be even better with a bumper harvest expected.