€77m berry market growing rosier and rosier

THE growing Irish berry market is valued at €77 million a year, according to the latest Bord Bia figures.

Retail sales of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries increased by 53% in the past year to a current market value of €32m while strawberries are worth a further €45m annually.

Blueberries alone are worth over €18m, a sharp increase from 2006 when they were worth €5m.

In the last year, the price of blueberries dropped by 13%, reflecting their move from a niche crop to a mainstream staple. Raspberries have also seen growth of just over a 100% in value to €11 million.

Michal Slawski, of Bord Bia’s Horticulture Division, said rising consumption of these berries represents an opportunity for Irish soft fruit producers, who concentrate on strawberries, to include them in their range.

“The rise in the consumption of berries has come about due to their health, taste and convenience credentials.

“Berries are well known to be high in antioxidants and are often also high in vitamin C. They require very little preparation and are a convenient healthy snack,” Mr Slawski said.

He said the rise in popularity of smoothies has also boosted the sales of berries.