Strawberries, the cream of fruits
But the taste buds of people in Ireland, not a noted tennis stronghold, are also being increasingly tickled by the juicy fruit which was mentioned in ancient Roman literature because of its medicinal use.
Strawberries grown in Ireland were always regarded as high summer treats in the past because the climate militated against their production in the outdoors during the rest of the year.
But that changed with huge investments by growers in developing modern glass houses and new technology, which has extended the season from April to November.
Keelings, the third generation of fresh fruit producers, is a good example of a company that has embraced new technology. It produces about 150 million strawberries each year.
Fresh strawberries grown in Ireland can now be found on supermarket shelves and in farmers’ markets for most of the year, but it is their sale by vendors along the roadsides that still heralds the arrival of summer and much sought sunny days.
Wexford, a county that prides itself on producing quality strawberries, celebrates that heritage with an annual festival. There is also a National Strawberry Week.
And there was a high profile boost tor the sector when Meath strawberries from Clarke’s Fresh Fruit of Stamullen were included in the menu for the State banquet held in Dublin Castle to welcome Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to Ireland.
The fresh strawberry industry in Ireland continues to grow each year and consumers are now eating €37m worth of these berries every year.
Total output by 70 growers from around 225 hectares will amount this year to 7,000 tonnes all of which will be directed to the local fresh market.
While sales in Ireland continue to grow in volume terms, the value of the crop is in decline. That is a worry to growers.
IFA president Eddie Downey recently called on retailers to recognise the investment made by the country’s strawberry and fruit growers.
The retailers can do so, he said, by ensuring that fresh fruit is seen on their shelves as a premium quality product and not as a loss leader in retail wars.
Dr Eamon Keogh, Teagasc, told the bi-annual Berry Seminar in Carlow the sector continues to be one of the most challenging, rewarding and profitable sectors of Irish horticulture.
“Protected strawberry production continues to be the mainstay of the industry. People simply cannot resist the tasty, healthy, high quality berries produced here.
“Most Irish grown berries are picked and supplied to the market within 24 hours. Imported berries usually take many days to reach our shores. ‘Irish’ is therefore always fresher,” he said.
Over the past two years, growers have invested millions of euro in new growing technologies. More people have also been employed.
Growers continue to strive to make their businesses as cost efficient and as environmentally friendly as possible, he said.
Dr Keogh said all the evidence points to further growth in the sector. High quality berries, favourable trends in population growth and healthy eating habits should help to drive it forward.
A further encouraging sign was detected last year in a study for Bord Bia. It noted there was a 33% increase in the retail value of strawberry sales to consumers in the 25-34 year old category over the previous twelve months. That growth was seen as important because younger consumers generally tend to eat less fruit and vegetables than people over 35 years of age.
Meanwhile the first ever Soft Fruit Growers Association (NISFGA) has been formed in Northern Ireland to represent the needs and interests of members and to help them to develop and improve their operations.
The north’s soft fruit sector’s output is valued at £700,000 and the new Association is currently in consultation with growers and Government officials to determine the needs of the sector and how it can be supported.
Dungannon producer Peter Donnelly, the Association’s chairman, said: “We are a long way behind our counterparts in Britain and the Republic of Ireland in terms of investment and infrastructure.
“But with our new found knowledge we have now a clear roadmap of where this sector needs to go. Currently the market in NI is supplied mainly by imports.
“But the Association is confident that over the next 5-10 years we can grow our local industry to become a success story similar to that in the Republic.”
