Growers say 2026 could be “sweetest year ever”.
British blackberries are tasting extra sweet this year, with growers reporting that this summer’s exceptional heat has intensified the fruit’s natural sugars – a welcome surprise for shoppers who still think of blackberries as the tart, hedgerow fruit picked in their childhoods.
This summer has seen England’s warmest June on record, with 2026 being the first year on record to reach 35°C in May, June and July, and August is expected to be no different.
For blackberries, the sustained warmth has translated directly into sweetness, with growers saying the heat has accelerated sugar development in the fruit, producing berries that are noticeably sweeter than the tart, sharp-tasting blackberries found in hedgerows.
Oli Pascall, Managing Director at the award-winning, blackberry-growing Clock House Farm, near Maidstone, Kent said: “Many people still think of blackberries as tart and sour in taste, but, commercially-grown berries are very different. This could be the sweetest crop we’ve ever grown.
“British blackberries are naturally sweet and make the perfect healthy treat. Their deep purple-black colour comes from beneficial plant compounds, including antioxidants and anthocyanins. They’re perfect as part of a light summer breakfast or simply for snacking on.
While this summer’s conditions have produced exceptionally sweet fruit, they have also highlighted how important long-term water security has become.
Thanks to significant investment in irrigation and water security over many years, British growers are well placed to keep supermarket shelves stocked with extra-sweet blackberries throughout August. But without continued investment in water infrastructure and greater support to improve water security, future resilience cannot be taken for granted.
Nick Marston, Chair of British Berry Growers, says: “The reality of this summer’s heat is something our growers have felt directly, but it hasn’t caught British growers unprepared.
“Over recent years, British growers have collectively invested millions of pounds over many years to improve resilience to these conditions. That includes developing secure water supplies, from winter storage reservoirs to highly efficient, computer-controlled drip irrigation systems that deliver water precisely where it’s needed.
Marston continues: “Those investments mean British growers have been able to continue producing outstanding-quality blackberries despite the challenging weather. But climate change means we cannot be complacent. Government support to increase water security is becoming ever more important. We need many more on-farm reservoirs to ensure growers can continue producing healthy, sustainable British fruit for the future.
“In the meantime, we’d encourage shoppers to support British growers by choosing British blackberries while they’re in peak season and tasting better than ever.”
Isla Haslam, Head of Brand at Driscoll’s, says:“Decades of flavour-led varietal innovation have transformed the blackberry, delivering sweeter, juicier and more consistently delicious fruit. Perfect for snacking or swapping for a sweet treat, blackberries offer a naturally healthy form of indulgence.
“They’re already one of the fastest-growing categories in berries, but the opportunity is even greater: once consumers taste today’s blackberries, they quickly realise what they’ve been missing.”
British blackberries are available now in major multiple supermarkets across the UK. Find recipes and serving suggestions for British blackberries at lovefreshberries.co.uk