From roadside stalls to supermarket shelves: The remarkable growth of Ireland's strawberry industry 

Over 1,000 people are employed in the strawberry industry here and the message to consumers is to buy Irish to support local growers

Labour and other extra costs associated with Covid-19 have raised production costs by an estimated 15% this season, according to the industry. Picture: iStock

Roadside strawberry sales are back. They are sure signs of summer, especially this year when so much has been lost to the dreadful coronavirus.

Their return has brought joy to many people whose taste buds are again being tickled by the juicy fruit which was mentioned in ancient Roman literature because of its medicinal use.