Aldi promises to bring sweeter British-grown blackberries to its shelves from next month when they start to go on sale across its stores nationwide.
By working closely with its suppliers, including Driscoll’s, its main blackberry supplier, Aldi is introducing carefully selected varieties bred for a naturally sweeter, less tart taste.
With improved sweetness driving demand, Aldi expects blackberry sales to grow by up to 20% this season, after selling more than 228 tonnes last year – equivalent to 1.5 million punnets.
All fresh blackberries in Aldi stores will be 100% British-grown, giving shoppers greater access to homegrown fruit as the season gets underway this summer.
The berries are taste-tested throughout the season and picked at peak ripeness to ensure consistent flavour.
British Blackberries will arrive in selected stores from the start of May, before rolling out nationwide on 21st May.
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “We expect our blackberries to taste better than ever this season. By working closely with our British suppliers to improve sweetness and consistency, we’re making sure customers can enjoy the very best of homegrown fruit and keep coming back for more.”
James Crook, customer development director at Driscoll’s, said: “Exceptional flavour is the result of years of dedicated natural breeding and selecting only the finest blackberry varieties. By working closely with Aldi, we are able to grow and harvest fruit at the optimal moment, delivering British blackberries that are naturally sweeter, more succulent, and consistently high quality throughout the season.”
Aldi also recently confirmed plans to increase the number of long-term agreements with UK produce and horticulture suppliers, aiming to secure at least 50% of its domestic produce through long-term partnerships by the end of 2027.
